Racing around Australia came to a standstill on Saturday August 5 as prayers and a minute’s silence were held to remember fallen jockeys on Jockeys Celebration Day.

Coordinated nationally by SCA partner ARCC’s Rev Colin Watts on behalf the National Jockeys Trust, these multi-track ceremonies are conducted annually at every racecourse in Australia which races on the first Saturday in August.

Colin Watts observed, “Unfortunately 2017 has already seen the death of four riders, Darren Jones in Warialda, Roger Booth at Darwin, Donna Philpott at Bendigo and Riharna Thomson in Canberra.” Further adding, “There have (also) been some serious injuries, most notably Wade Clasohm and Ben Saunders who were both paralyzed in track work at Toowoomba.”

Colin went on to say that, “Riding racehorses is a dangerous enterprise but thankfully good support structures are in place to assist people seriously injured in track falls.” Adding, “Thanks to all the race clubs who participated”.

See the full article and gallery at the ARCC website.