Racing tragedy as young rider Natasha Galpin is killed in freak gallops accident at the yard of trainer Iain Jardine

Natasha Galpin, 22, was thrown to the floor when the horse she was was working out for top trainer Iain Jardine suffered a serious injury.

The talented young rider, who was also accomplished in eventing, lost her life in the accident on Tuesday morning at the Hetland Hill Stables in Carrutherstown, Scotland.

The horse suffered a ruptured artery while being ridden out on the gallops, which also led to it passing away.

It is believed there was nothing Galpin or anyone else could do to prevent the incident from occuring out of the blue.

Police are now investigating the circumstances of the incident, which has left Jardine and the rest of Galpin's colleagues distraught.

The trainer released a statement expressing the grief and shock experienced by his staff.

Jardine said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that the team at Iain Jardine Racing wish to report that we suffered a tragic accident on our grass gallops on Tuesday morning which has resulted in the untimely death of a member of our team, Natasha Galpin, 22, as well as the loss of a horse.

"Sadly, our horse suffered Gutteral Pouch Mycosis [a ruptured artery] during work, resulting in the unavoidable and unpredictable accident.

"He was given all the necessary care and treatment required and the owners were immediately informed.

"Our main priority throughout has been Natasha and the rest of our staff, who are distraught at the loss of a colleague and friend but have been extremely supportive of each other.

"As a team here, we are doing our best to get through and cope with this devastating situation."

The statement continued: "Natasha was an experienced and valued full-time member of Team IJR.

"She was an accomplished event rider and ran her own livery yard.

"She worked alongside her boyfriend Olyn.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s parents and sisters at this very sad time, and we hope you will join us in respecting their privacy."

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