Title: Heartbreak in the Racing Community: Tragic Death of Stablehand Fiona Ralph
The racing world is heartbroken after the tragic death of a much-loved stablehand.
58-year-old Fiona Ralph worked at Bendigo Racecourse and last week was involved in a freak accident in the tie-up stalls which ultimately caused her death.
It is believed Ralph fell and in the process suffered a serious head injury.
She was treated by the on-course medical team and then airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery.
However, on Monday afternoon Racing Victoria and the Bendigo Jockey Club (BJC) issued a joint statement, saying Ralph’s condition deteriorated and she was “unable to be saved.”
Ralph was first registered as a stablehand in 2016 but took time out before renewing her registration in January 2024. She then teamed up with Bendigo trainer Toby Lake.
“We are shocked and saddened at the news of Fiona’s passing after what appears to be a tragic accident on raceday at Bendigo,” RV chief Aaron Morrison said.
“On behalf of all within the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Fiona’s family and friends at this incredibly tough time.
“Our thoughts are also with trainer Toby Lake and his staff, along with the team at the Bendigo Jockey Club who are equally shocked at Fiona’s passing.
“Fiona had an incredible love of animals, whether they flew, swam or ran. She grew up alongside horses and she got to combine her passion for animals with her work at the Lake stables.
“In this tough time, her family have taken comfort knowing that she got to spend her last day watching two of her favourite racehorses at the track.
“The racing community is a big family who share a common love of the horse and I know that this sad news will be felt by all, regardless of whether they knew Fiona.
“In particular, we’re thinking of all of the stable staff across the state who are providing care for the horses every day, just as Fiona did, and are the unsung heroes of our sport.
“Together with others in the industry, we are providing all the support we can to Fiona’s family and the Bendigo racing community to assist them in dealing with this tragic outcome.”
Bendigo Jockey Club chief Paul Scullie said the local racing community had been “devastated” by the loss of a “beloved friend and colleague.”
“Her passing in such tragic circumstances is a shock to us all and one that will take time to overcome.”
The Newcastle racing community is also dealing with the shattering news that trainer Ben Smith has died.
Smith was 42 and had been a controversial figure in the industry after he was hit with a ban (of almost four years) for doping in 2019.
Smith was found guilty of cobalt offences and conduct charges by Racing NSW stewards.
Smith returned to training in late 2022 but again struck trouble with stewards and was hit with a 13-month ban in May last year, when he was found guilty of two separate offences relating to banned substances.
As a result, one of his horses (Arale) was stripped of victory when it was found to have meloxicam in her system.
Smith’s second ban was about to end.
Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances about his death, but are investigating the cause.
