Tributes are flowing for Queensland jockey Shane McGovern after the much-loved jockey died following a devastating accident last month. McGovern had been placed in palliative care after having both of his legs amputated following a tragic accident at his stables in Charters Towers last month.
His nine-year-old horse Reformist had an aneurysm and died during a routine trackwork session. The horse collapsed and landed on McGovern. The 67-year-old was trapped for six hours until his wife Kim found him. He lost circulation to both of his legs as a result, and had to have both amputated.
Shane McGovern has died after a tragic accident last month. Image: Racenet/Supplied
The situation took a tragic turn for the worst, with the Australian Jockeys Association (AJA) announcing on Friday that McGovern was in palliative care. Unfortunately, the AJA announced on Saturday morning McGovern had died due to the injuries.
“We are devastated to announce that after a hard fought battle QLD jockey Shane McGovern passed away this morning,” the statement read on Platform X. Fans have quickly paid tribute to the popular jockey after the devastating news. Riders in NSW will be wearing black armbands in honour of McGovern on Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, the AJA’s health and safety officer Kevin Ring told Racenet: “They just couldn’t control the infection and he was also bleeding internally. They did take a bit more of his left leg off but they couldn’t do any more.
“They were pumping him full of blood and he was surviving but that was it. The family just agreed it was best to let him rest and keep him comfortable. It’s a sad situation.”
The horse racing community is rallying around McGovern and his family, with over $80,000 raised by a GoFundMe campaign. One person wrote on social media on Friday: “Thoughts with Shane and his family and friends just now. We’ll keep him in our prayers.”
Another wrote: “Shocking news, thinking of Shane and all his family, friends and colleagues. While a third added: “Omg, this is devastating news.”
It’s been a difficult few weeks for the Australian horse racing community. On Thursday it was announced that Group 1-winning trainer Steve Richards had died after a fall in Melbourne. The 70-year-old hit his head last week after a fall while stepping off a tram.
Steve Richards at Caulfield Racecourse in 2021.
(Vince Caligiuri via Getty Images)
Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said: “Racing Victoria extends its heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Victorian racing industry to the family and friends of Steve Richards on the news of his passing in such tragic circumstances.
“Our thoughts are also with the trainers and staff at Flemington where Steve was a very popular and hard-working member of the training ranks for many years, along with the numerous jockeys who rode for him throughout his training career. Steve was a highly respected trainer, especially for his ability to identify and develop young horses, and he also was someone that was willing to help others further their careers in the sport which is a great quality.”