Calls for change after French apprentice jockey's track work death

The family of Marina Morel, an apprentice jockey who died in a fall during track work in New South Wales, is seeking changes to prevent future tragedies. Morel, 30, died on February 8, 2022, after being thrown from her horse, Lina's Choice, at the Gulgong Turf Club.

An ongoing coronial inquest heard from experts who indicated the most probable cause of the fall was a stress fracture in the horse, which led to a catastrophic break on the day of the accident. Morel's family issued a statement expressing they do not blame anyone for her death but are determined to see protocols put in place to spare others the same pain.

"There are foreseeable factors that need to be taken into account," the family stated. "We will make sure your departure was not in vain." Morel, who had been riding horses since age five and came to Australia in 2014 to pursue a professional jockey career, was described as a "highly competent horsewoman."

The inquest also examined Lina's Choice's return to training after suffering a ligament tear in March 2021. The mare was recommended six weeks of box rest and 12 months of paddock rest, but returned to work after just over six months. Veterinarian Jack Holman testified he was not concerned about the early return, trusting the judgment of trainer Brett Thompson. However, experts debated whether a veterinary assessment should have been mandatory before the horse resumed training, especially given signs of tension in the mare's pectoral muscle prior to the fall.

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There are foreseeable factors that need to be taken into account. We will make sure your departure was not in vain.