Just days after Rachael Blackmore had captured the imagination of global sport with her brilliant win in the Grand National, horse racing has been devastated by a tragic loss.
Amateur jockey Lorna Brooke has sadly died at the age of just 37 after falling during a race at Taunton earlier this month.
Brooke was riding Orchestrated for her mother, Lady Susan Brooke, when the horse fell at the third fence and she was taken to intensive care in Bristol for tests on a suspected spinal injury.
She was then placed in an induced coma before sadly passing away.
Ashburton trainer Chris Honour's horse Legend Of Zorro won the Taunton race in which Brooke fell.
"It felt like a hollow victory on the day, and now this is terrible news," said Honour. "It makes you feel very empty about the job."
Brooke was a talented jockey who rode 17 winners in Britain and Ireland, and took more than 400 rides. She also rode 40 point-to-point winners, mainly her mother’s orange and brown colours.
A statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund on Monday 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 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."
Taunton Racecourse and Conference Centre echoed the thoughts of everyone with their statement: “All at Taunton Racecourse are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Lorna Brooke’s death as a result of injuries sustained in a race-riding fall at our meeting on Thursday, April 8. Our thoughts and condolences are with Lorna’s family and friends during this time.”
Her biggest victory came in the inaugural running of the Ladies Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse in 2015 with 25-1 shot Moonlone Lane for Paul Stafford. She beat top riders such as Katie Walsh, Lizzie Kelly and Rachael Blackmore.
Rest in peace Lorna Brooke.