Racing hit by death of pioneering champion amateur jockey Lucy Horner at 42

Tributes have been paid to pioneering women's champion amateur jump jockey Lucy Horner, who has died at the age of 42.

Horner won the title in 2008-09 and rode a total of 28 winners under rules, as well as enjoying plenty of success overseas.

Amateur Jockeys Association chief executive officer Sarah Oliver said: "It is with great sadness that we learned of Lucy’s untimely death and we send our deepest condolences to her mother and family.

"With a military background in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Lucy was champion lady amateur National Hunt jockey in 2008-09 with a seasonal total of 11 wins and also runner-up in 2010-11 to Gina Andrews.

"Lucy was a pioneer of the UK’s lady jump jockeys and rode a total of 28 winners under rules at home as well as point-to-point winners. Lucy represented the UK abroad, riding in Ireland in 2008 and in the USA, both independently in Kentucky and as part of the Fegentri series in 2010. Lucy also won in cross-country races at Le Touquet and Dieppe.

"A serious eye problem interrupted Lucy’s riding career in 2009 and brought it to a premature end in 2011 but she will always be remembered as a talented lady jump jockey who helped to forge a path for the betterment of female weighing-room colleagues."

Horner rode plenty of winners for Chris Grant, who paid tribute to her toughness and her horsemanship.

The trainer said: "We had a lot of success together and she was a good little jockey, a tough lass, and it's a sad loss.

"She was well able to ride. She rode winners over jumps and on the Flat and you wouldn't be frightened to put her on anything."

Lucy Horner on Tom's Toybox, on whom she won three racesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Horner is survived by her mother Jeanette and sister Sarah.

The funeral is at 12pm at All Saints Church in Worsall, North Yorkshire, on Friday, followed by a private cremation. Family flowers only but if desired donations can be made to the Brooke Hospital for Animals c/o Seaton Leng & Son Ltd, 59a Bondgate, Darlington, DL3 7JR.