JOCKEY DIES IN RACE FALL
Much-loved Top Ender Melanie Tyndall’s tragic last ride
A MUCH-loved Darwin jockey and police officer died after a shocking race fall at Fannie Bay yesterday.
Melanie Tyndall, 32, was riding Restless in Race 3 when she clipped the heels of the horse in front and was dislodged from her mount as they entered the home straight. A horse trailing her trampled Tyndall when she fell to the ground.
Initial reports were Tyndall was conscious and taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for observations, however, that changed rapidly when word soon spread that Tyndall had died when she arrived at RDH. The final race at Fannie Bay was abandoned once news spread that Tyndall had died from her injuries.
Sadly, Tyndall rode the winner of the race before she fell, aboard Princess Leah, which was her 150th career victory in the saddle.
In a statement last night, Darwin Turf Club and Thoroughbred Racing NT said: “It is with great sadness that Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) and the Darwin Turf Club (DTC) confirm the passing of Northern Territory jockey Melanie Tyndall.”
TRNT chief executive Andrew O’Toole said: “On behalf of the NT racing industry, I would like to extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Melanie’s family and friends on her passing.
“Melanie was a much-respected member of the Northern Territory racing family and her sad passing will be felt by many within the industry.”
Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon said: “On behalf of the Darwin Turf Club, board and members, we too are deeply saddened by the passing of Melanie, and our sincerest condolences and support is extended to Melanie’s family and friends.
“The TRNT, DTC and Australian Jockeys’ Association (AJA) are working together to support the family, local racing community and industry employees at this very sad time.”
It was the second jockey death in two days, following the passing of Mikaela Claridge in Victoria on Friday morning.
In 2013, leading jockey Simone Montgomerie was killed on Darwin Cup day when she fell in an eerily similar spot to where Tyndall fell yesterday.
Two years ago Tyndall, who arrived in Darwin in October 2013, told the NT News she was considering giving up race riding because of weight battles and was set to become a full-time police officer.
“I’ve been battling with my weight when it comes to riding but late last year I applied to join the police force,” Tyndall said at the time.
“It was just an option, but it was something I had been thinking about for a while. I passed everything and I was offered a position in recruitment as a junior constable.”
Tyndall was originally from Murray Bridge in South Australia.