Tributes have flowed for respected Victorian racing industry participant Peta Tait, who was tragically killed in a stable accident at Cranbourne.
Tait, who was working for trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, is believed to have been kicked by a horse on Tuesday.
She was immediately attended to by the on-site paramedic but the 43-year-old died at the scene.
First licensed as a picnic jockey in 1998 at the age of 16, Tait worked as a track rider and assistant to numerous trainers in the Cranbourne and wider Gippsland areas.
Tait retired as a picnic jockey on a high, winning the 2019 Cranbourne Corinthian at her final race ride, but remained heavily involved in the racing industry.
“On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Peta’s family, friends and work colleagues on the tragic news of her passing,” Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said in a statement.
“This terrible accident serves as an untimely reminder of the thousands of unsung heroes working in stables each day to provide the best possible care to our racehorses.
“Like all within our industry, Peta loved horses and she forged a career working with them, helping numerous trainers prepare their horses as a trackwork rider or strapping them on raceday.”
Southside Racing chief executive Neil Bainbridge acknowledged Tait’s death and confirmed that support was being provided to Busuttin Racing staff and the Cranbourne racing community.
“Peta was a well-known and liked member of our community and her absence will be felt by lots of people,” Bainbridge said.
Trainer Monica Croston posted on social media: “A piece of my heart now shines as a celestial star. Heartbroken by the loss of my special friend Peta Tait. I will always cherish all the amazing memories. Thank you for loving my family.”
Fellow trainer Rebecca Waymouth added: “You will be missed more than you would have ever known.”
Busuttin and Young also acknowledged the death of their popular employee.
“At this time our thoughts are with those nearest and dearest to Peta, her immediate family and many friends, both inside and outside of the racing industry, as well as her team of colleagues of whom she had maintained strong personal and professional relationships,” they wrote.
“Peta was an incredible person who was dedicated to her role and will leave a long-standing legacy. We are heartbroken by her loss.”
Victoria Police attended the scene and will prepare a report for the coroner. WorkSafe is also investigating the circumstances of the accident.
