Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HORROR FALL JOCKEY DIES
Racing world’s tributes for Lorna, 37
TRIBUTES were paid to an amateur jockey yesterday after she died following a horror fall during a race.
Lorna Brooke, 37, was airlifted to hospital after falling from Orchestrated, which is trained by her mother Lady Susan Brooke.
Witnesses said she “face-planted” after the fall at the third fence at Taunton racecourse in Somerset.
Doctors at Southmeads Hospital in Bristol put her into an induced coma after she developed swelling on her brain following serious head injuries.
Her devastated family confirmed yesterday that she tragically died on Sunday, 10 days after the fall.
They said: “It is with deep sadness we have to share the tragic news that Lorna Brooke passed away yesterday.
“Her family thank everyone for their kindness in the last few weeks, particularly the staff at Southmeads Hospital who were so professional.”
ENTHUSIAST
The statement added: “They will be having a private funeral and will hold a celebration of Lorna’s life once Covid restrictions allow.”
Former Champion Jockey AP Mccoy wrote on Twitter: “Heartbreakingly sad news. Thoughts and prayers with her family. RIP Lorna.”
Jockey Harry Bannister tweeted: “Devastating to hear about Lorna, puts everything into perspective.”
Trainer Michael Dods added: “We are all so sad... Our thoughts are with Lorna’s loved ones.”
Lorna rode 16 winners during her 20-year career – with seven coming in the past five seasons.
Trainer Paul Stafford told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s tragic news, it really is shocking. She was a lovely person.
“I send my condolences to her family, my heart goes out to them.”
Fellow trainer Evan Williams said: “The best way I can describe Lorna is an enthusiast. She was always smiling and always working... For her to pay the ultimate price is so terribly devastating, but it was her passion.”
Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Everybody at the BHA is devastated. Lorna was a much-loved member of our sport, in which she and her family are steeped.
“She was a proud competitor and somebody driven by an abundance of love not only for the sport but for the horses she competed with.”
For her to pay the ultimate price is terribly devastating EVAN WILLIAMS TRAINER ON THE DEATH OF LORNA
‘LOST ONE OF OUR OWN’: SPORT