A Victorian racecourse has been fined $250,000 over the fatal fall of apprentice jockey Mikaela Claridge, following an investigation by the state's workplace safety watchdog.
The 22-year-old died in August 2019, after being thrown from her horse during a pre-dawn training session at the Cranbourne Training Centre in Melbourne's south-east.
Cranbourne Turf Club, which operates the facility, was convicted and sentenced in the Melbourne County Court last month, after pleading guilty to a breach of health and safety laws.
A WorkSafe investigation found Ms Claridge and her training partner were riding in dark conditions on a bush trail, when the horses became spooked and stopped suddenly, causing both riders to fall.
The investigation found the track had several features, including low-lying tree branches, pooled water and other horses and wildlife, which could potentially spook a horse.
The court heard the club had failed to put "reasonably practicable" measures in place to reduce safety risks, including by installing floodlights around the track or limiting access to the trail to daylight hours.
In addition to the fine, the company was also issued an adverse publicity order, requiring it to advertise the outcome of the case.
Worksafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said the tragic death highlighted the importance of proactively assessing safety risks and putting control measures in place.
"Although some safety measures such as changing operating hours may seem minor, a failure to implement them can lead to unimaginably painful consequences," Dr Beer said.
"WorkSafe will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who fails in their duty to ensure their workplaces and work practices are safe and without risks to health."
