Megan Taylor: Racing world in shock after apprentice jockey, 26, dies in tragic on-track fall

Megan Taylor: Racing world in shock after apprentice jockey, 26, dies in tragic on-track fall
Megan Taylor died on December 15 (Instagram/ @megantaylor.equestrian)

ASHBURTON, NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand's racing industry has been left in shock with the unfortunate death of an apprentice jockey, Megan Taylor. The 26-year-old reportedly died on Friday, December 15, while taking part in the $14,000 maiden race at Ashburton.

She was riding a horse named Red Orchid “when her mount appeared to be caught between two other horses and crashed to the track just after 1 pm local time,” the Daily Mail reported. She was also struck by one of the three other horses involved in the fatal accident after she fell. She was declared dead soon after the accident while three other participants, Diego Montes de Oca, Samantha Wynne, and Tin Comignahgi, sustained non-severe wounds.

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Following the tragedy, Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty tweeted, “I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of jockey Megan Taylor during a race this afternoon. I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to Megan’s family and friends, and to all of those in the industry who worked alongside her and knew her.”