Jockey Shane McGovern dies a month after trackwork fall

Racing Queensland and the Australian Jockeys’ Association have confirmed the death jockey Shane McGovern as the result of injuries suffered during a trackwork incident last month.

McGovern, 67, had been seriously injured in April when a horse he was riding for his wife Kim collapsed, leaving him trapped for some time. His condition has since deteriorated and it was confirmed by Racing Queensland he died on Saturday morning.

Originally hailing from New Zealand, where he rode his first winner in 1995, McGovern began his time in Australia on the picnic circuit in Victoria, while he and Kim spent time in Longreach, Yeppoon in Central Queensland and most recently at Charters Towers.

He rode over 300 winners during his career, the latest being at Cloncurry in March. He is survived by Kim and children Col, Chad and Dion.

“Shane was a natural horseman, dedicating his entire life to the thoroughbred industry, and has been an invaluable supporter of racing in the North and North West of the state,” RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said.

“He was universally loved and admired amongst those who had the pleasure of knowing Shane, and his unwavering commitment to the industry – particularly in the regional areas of the state – was integral over a number of years.

“It’s important that we rally together and for our participants to be supported, and we will be providing support services for industry participants who are grieving Shane’s loss.”

AJA OH&S & Insurance Officer Kevin Ring also offered his sympathies.

“Shane was a fantastic horseman, a champion for the racing industry and most importantly an unbelievable person.

“His loss will be felt across the country, and the AJA will continue to support its members in any way possible following Shane’s passing.”

Following Shane’s accident, the Queensland Jockeys’ Association established a GoFundMe to support Kim and the McGovern family, which to date has raised in excess of $80,000.

The QJA has also arranged for black armbands to be worn at all meetings across the state.

“The QJA and our members are incredibly saddened by the loss of our colleague Shane and we send our condolences to his partner Kim, and his family and friends,” QJA General Manager Glen Prentice said.