Jardine work-rider Natasha Galpin suffers fatal injuries in gallops accident

Natasha Galpin, a work-rider with Iain Jardine, has died following an accident on the Ebor-winning trainer's gallops at Carrutherstown in Scotland. She was 22.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon Jardine said the incident occurred on Tuesday morning during exercise, when the horse Galpin was riding suffered a ruptured artery.

Jardine said: "It is with great sadness that the team at Iain Jardine Racing wish to report that we suffered a tragic accident on our grass gallops on Tuesday morning which has resulted in the untimely death of a member of our team, Natasha Galpin, 22, as well as the loss of a horse.

"Sadly, our horse suffered guttural pouch mycosis [a ruptured artery] during work, resulting in the unavoidable and unpredictable accident. He was given all the necessary care and treatment required and the owners were immediately informed.

"Our main priority throughout has been Natasha and the rest of our staff, who are distraught at the loss of a colleague and friend but have been extremely supportive of each other. As a team here, we are doing our best to get through and cope with this devastating situation."

Jardine added: "Natasha was an experienced and valued full-time member of Team IJR. She was an accomplished event rider and ran her own livery yard. She worked alongside her boyfriend Olyn.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s parents and sisters at this very sad time, and we hope you will join us in respecting their privacy."

BHA chief executive Nick Rust said: "I know I speak for everyone at the BHA when I say we are truly shocked and devastated about this tragic news.

"While such incidents are extremely rare, there is an element of risk any time a rider sits on any horse and as such we must never take for granted the bravery and commitment of our workforce.

BHA chief executive Nick Rust: devastated by the tragic newsCredit: Dan Abraham

"Our sport relies on their dedication in providing first-class care for our horses, and we are grateful to them all.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Natasha Galpin and the yard of Iain Jardine. We will work with the authorities to provide support to the yard at this difficult time."

Jardine and Rust urged anybody within the sport affected by the news of Galpin's death to contact Racing Welfare at racingwelfare.co.uk or on 0800 6300 443.