Apprentice jockey Megan Taylor has died, after a fall that has forced the abandonment of a race meeting at Ashburton.
Taylor was aboard Red Orchid in race two over 1400m at the South Island racetrack, when the accident occurred, involving at least three other horses.
Taylor was hit by another horse, as she lay on the track. Emergency services attended the accident, but she was pronounced dead soon after.
Subsequent races were called off, as the racing community come to grips with Taylor's death, which was confirmed by Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty.
"I'm incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of jockey Megan Taylor during a race race this afternoon," he tweeted. "I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to Megan's family and friends, and to all those in the industry who worked alongside her and knew her."
In her third year as a jockey, Taylor, 26, had ridden 16 winners and 62 placings during her short career.
Taylor took up riding in 2019, after returning from Europe, where she worked for Olympic equestrian stars Tim and Jonelle Price.
Police and the Racing Integrity Board are now investigating the accident.
"Our deepest sympathies are with Megan’s family, friends and others in the racing community who have worked closely with Megan," said NZ Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Bruce Sharrock.
"We will look to support them in any way possible in the coming days and weeks. We also will support the jockeys and others who were at the races today."
