The Injured Jockeys’ Fund announced the news on Monday
Jockey Lorna Brooke has sadly passed away after suffering injuries from a fall at Taunton racecourse on 8 April. She was just 37.
Brooke was in hospital being treated for the injuries she suffered, and had been placed in an induced coma.
In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys’ Fund on Monday morning, the association sadly announced that the amateur rider had passed away on Sunday, as a result of “significant” swelling on her brain.
The statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we have to share the tragic news that Lorna Brooke passed away yesterday.
“Her family thank everyone for their kindness in the last ten days, particularly the staff at Southmead Hospital who were so professional.
“They will be having a private funeral and will hold a celebration of Lorna’s life once covid restrictions allow.”
Brooke had fallen at the third fence of Taunton’s Pontispool Equine Sports Centre Handicap Chase on April 8. She was riding Orchestrated, a horse trained by her mother Lady Susan Brooke, and was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
She had competed in more than 400 races since 2000, and ridden 17 winners.
Tributes have poured in from across the world of racing. Henry de Bromhead, the trainer of Grand National winner Minella Times, said: “”Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lorna Brooke.”
Jockey Lorna Brooke has tragically died following her fall at Taunton earlier this month.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/X7mqpIHBkc
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) April 19, 2021
Meanwhile, presenter Matt Chapman tweeted: “”Amateur jockey Lorna Brooke has sadly and tragically passed away. We can only send our deepest sympathy to her friends and family. And remember the sport we love can be so so tough #rip.”
Fairyhouse Racecourse, where Brooke won the Today FM Ladies Handicap Chase in 2015, tweeted: “We are all devastated to hear of the death of Lorna Brooke. She was so proud to win the first ever ladies chase run in Ireland or England in 2015. She rode 25-1 shot Moonlone Lane for Paul Stafford & was just so happy to get a ride in the race but her smile says it all on winning.”
We are all devastated to hear of the death of Lorna Brooke. She was so proud to win the 1st ever ladies chase run in Ireland or England in 2015. She rode 25/1 shot Moonlone Lane for Paul Stafford & was just so happy to get a ride in the race but her smile says it all on winning pic.twitter.com/kw6G7C7X3U
— FairyhouseRacecourse (@Fairyhouse) April 19, 2021
Amateur jockey Lorna Brooke has sadly and tragically passed away. We can only send our deepest sympathy to her friends and family. And remember the sport we love can be so so tough. #rip pic.twitter.com/bkuZ2Y6TKs
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) April 19, 2021
Jockey Harry Bannister also paid tribute to Brooke, describing the news as “devastating,” whilst the Racecourse Association said that it was “deeply saddened by the tragic news.”
