Jockey Lorna Brooke, 37, dies after horror fall at Taunton

Amateur jockey Lorna Brooke, 37, has died following a horror fall at Taunton earlier this month.

Brooke was placed into an induced coma after a shock fall in Somerset caused her brain to suffer  ‘significant’ swelling on April 8.

On Saturday her condition was deemed ‘critical, but stable’ at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Doctors fought tirelessly to save her, but she tragically passed away yesterday, her grieving family revealed. 

Brooke was riding her horse Orchestrated – trained by her mother Lady Susan Brooke – when she had a sudden fall at the third fence at the Pontispool Equine Sports Centre Handicap Chase earlier this month. 

She was said to be ‘awake and alert’ when paramedics reached her before being rushed to hospital in an air ambulance.

There, she underwent observations and tests for a suspected spinal injury.

 Amateur jockey Lorna Brooke has died at the age of 37 following a fall at Taunton this month

The amateur jockey was riding Orchestrated for her mother, Lady Susan Brooke, when she suffered a horror fall which saw her taken to hospital and later placed into an induced coma

Brooke was taken from Taunton Racecourse to hospital in Bristol where she underwent tests

Brooke was riding Orchestrated at Taunton for her mother, Lady Susan Brooke (left) 

A statement released by Brooke’s family said: ‘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 few weeks, particularly the staff at Southmeads 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.’

The world of racing were left devastated by news that Brooke had passed away from the fall

Brooke (pictured in 2015) rode 16 winners during her career as a jockey, which started in 2001

The world of racing was quick to react to the shocking news.

Jockey Harry Bannister wrote: ‘Devastating to hear about Lorna Brooke, puts everything into perspective.

‘Thoughts go to her family, friends and all who knew her. What a very sad day indeed #RIP’

Trainer Michael Dods added: ‘We are all so sad to hear that amateur jockey Lorna Brooke has died following a fall at Taunton. Puts everything into perspective. Our thoughts are with Lorna’s loved ones.’ 

The Racecourse Association said: ‘The RCA is deeply saddened by the tragic news of Lorna Brooke’s death following a heavy fall at Taunton Racecourse on Thursday 8th April. Our thoughts and condolences are with Lorna’s family and friends during this time.’ 

Brooke enjoyed great success as a jockey, riding 16 winners during her career, which began in 2001.

Seven of these winners came in the last five seasons – with 183 rides during the five-year period also seeing 10 second place finishes, 21 third places and 19 fourths.  

Her winnings amounted to £28,923 during this time.