TRAGEDY AT THE TRACK
Veteran jockey dies on eve of Darwin Carnival
TRAGEDY has struck just days from the launch of the Darwin Cup Carnival.
Veteran Victorian rider Roger Booth, 55, has passed away after collapsing during yesterday’s Darwin Turf Club meeting at Fannie Bay.
Booth had just returned to the mounting yard on board the Neil Dyer-trained Senor Juez after finishing sixth in the Hutchison Builders Handicap (1200m) behind the David Bates-trained Gasoline Alley.
Booth was dismounting from the six-year-old gelding following the second race on the program when he collapsed.
He was immediately attended to by ambulance staff at the track and was reportedly conscious when transferred by ambulance to Darwin hospital.
It is believed that the Cranbourne jockey suffered a heart attack and passed away at the hospital.
It is understood Booth’s wife and two sons, who had already planned to come to Darwin for the carnival, arrived last night.
The seven-event program was pushed back 15 minutes before returning on schedule by race five.
Booth had also been booked to ride for Dyer in three other races on the program.
They were Rakitiki in the U-Cart Handicap (1200m), Sandhill Ruler in the Darwin Horse Floats Handicap (1600m) and Action Again in the Ubet ROANT Gold Cup (1300m).
Dyer confirmed Booth had died at the end of the Fannie Bay meeting.
“I believe Roger passed away before he got to the hospital,” a visibly shaken Dyer said. “It’s shocking and you just never know when things like this can happen.
“He became dizzy when he got off Senor Juez and fell to his knees before collapsing.
“I just feel so sad for Roger and can’t imagine how his family must be feeling.
“Roger came up to Darwin to ride for me on race day and during the week at track work.”
TRNT chief executive Andrew O’Toole passed his heartfelt condolences to Booth’s family on behalf of the NT racing industry.
“Roger was a much respected member of the racing fraternity and his sad passing will be felt by many within the industry,” he said.
DTC chief executive Keith Stacy said the club was deeply saddened by Booth’s death.
In a joint statement, the TRNT, the DTC and Australian Jockeys’ Association said they were working together to support the family, local racing community and industry employees at this “very sad time”.
The Darwin Cup Carnival launches on Thursday with the Hot 100 Darwin Guineas jumping on Saturday.