Veteran rider Booth dies at 55 after suspected heart-attack

Australian racing was in shock on Saturday following the death of veteran rider Roger Booth, who suffered a suspected heart-attack after riding at Darwin. He was 55.

Having partnered Senor Juez into sixth position in the second race on the card, Booth collapsed and was taken to Darwin Hospital where he later died.

Confirming the news, Australian Jockeys’ Association chairman Des O’Keeffe told Racing.com: “Roger rode in race two at Darwin today and when he returned to the mounting yard he collapsed with an apparent heart attack.

“The medical team were able to revive him and he was conscious and talking and transported to Darwin Hospital where he had a major apparent heart attack and despite every possible effort he was unable to be revived.”

Booth had been riding in the Northern Territory in recent months but had been a regular on the Victorian provincial circuit for much of his career.

Among many to remember Booth on Saturday was Melbourne Cup-winning rider Glen Boss, who tweeted: "I'm gutted to hear Boothy passed away. Champion bloke, very sad news. I wish his family all the very best at this trying time."