Friederike Ruhle ©H&H

 

German-born Friederike Ruhle has been identified as the trackwork rider who lost her life at Caulfield after a fall on Wednesday morning.

 

The Melbourne Racing Club confirmed the 25-year-old’s identity in a statement on Wednesday night after her family overseas was notified.

 

Ms Ruhle, who worked for Byron Cozamanis Racing, passed away from injuries sustained in an accident when riding a horse on the sand track.

 

She was attended to by emergency services but passed away on arrival at the Alfred Hospital.

 

The Chairman of the Melbourne Racing Club, Mike Symons, would like to pass on his sincere condolences on behalf of the committee, staff and members of the MRC.

 

“It is with great sadness that I express my condolences to Friederike Ruhle’s loved ones on their tragic loss,” Symons said.

 

“I have enormous respect for the significant contribution that our track riders make in preparing our equine stars for racing and the inherent risks that comes working with horses.

 

“On behalf of the Committee, staff, and members of the club, our sincere sympathies go out to Friederike’s family, friends, colleagues at Byron Cozamanis Racing, and all of the racing community at Caulfield during this very sad time.”

 

Racing Victoria has advised counselling services are being provided to the family and colleagues of the track rider.

 

The MRC is assisting Victoria Police and WorkSafe with their investigations into the fatal accident.

 

This is the second fatality at Caulfield trackwork this year.

 

Lizz Rice, who worked for Aquanita Racing, passed away in January after suffering serious head injuries.

 

©Racing Victoria