MEGAN Taylor, a 26-year-old apprentice flat jockey in New Zealand, died on Thursday in a racecourse fall.

She was one of four jockeys who fell during the incident which occurred in the home straight. Two other riders were assessed for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 26-year-old was in her third season of riding and had won 16 races from 236 rides.

From Canterbury, Taylor had a background in eventing. She spent two years as a groom with New Zealand Olympians Tim and Jonelle Price in Britain.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Bruce Sharrock said: “Our deepest sympathies are with Megan’s family, friends, and others in the racing community who have worked closely with Megan. 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.”

The fatality comes just four months after jockey Taiki Yanagida died from injuries suffered in a race fall at Cambridge in New Zealand.