French Jockey's Family Seeks Policy Changes After Fatal Fall Inquest

The family of a French apprentice jockey who died after falling from a horse during track work in the New South Wales Central West is hoping an inquest will prevent similar incidents.

Marina Morel, 30, died on February 8, 2022 after she was thrown from Lina's Choice at the Gulgong Turf Club.

Experts told the coronial inquest in Lidcombe that the most likely cause of the fall was a pre-existing stress fracture in the horse that resulted in a catastrophic fracture on the day of the accident.

Morel's family said in a statement that they did not blame anyone for her death but wanted protocols put in place to spare others the same pain.

"There are foreseeable factors that need to be taken into account," they said.

Morel came to Australia in 2014 to follow her dream of becoming a professional jockey.

The inquest was told she was a "highly competent horsewoman" who had been riding since the age of five.

Morel was working for trainer Brett Thompson at BKB Racing when she died.

Early return to training

The inquest looked at a number of issues, including the return of Lina's Choice to training after an injury in March 2021.

The mare suffered a partial ligament tear in March that year and veterinarian Jack Holman recommended she take six weeks' box rest and 12 months' paddock rest.

The horse returned to work six months and three weeks later.

Dr Holman told the court he was not concerned about the early return to training.

"Brett [Thompson] was a good operator and I trusted his judgement in the case of lame horses," he said.

Mr Thompson said that during the spelling period he regularly checked Lina's Choice for signs of lameness but did not find any.

The inquest heard there had been signs of tension in the mare's opposite pectoral prior to the fall, which could have been a sign she was offloading weight due to a stress fracture on the other side.

Experts at the inquest were divided about whether a vet should have been called to perform an assessment before the horse returned to work.

An expert engaged by Mr Thompson said the injury was not reportable, but the former and current Racing NSW chief veterinary officers disagreed, citing state guidelines regarding the potential effect on performance.

Counsel assisting the coroner David Kell said Racing NSW should clarify its policy on reportable injuries.

He said the policy left room for ambiguity about what injuries were notifiable and recommended Racing NSW publish further guidance on the reporting of major orthopaedic injuries.

Since Morel's death, BKB Racing has changed its practice to ensure a vet assesses a horse when returns to training after an injury.

American veterinary surgeon specialist Susan Stover told the inquest she recommended mandatory exams after an inactivity period of 60 days, but accepted that could capture horses going through ordinary spelling in preparation for a race.

The court heard it was standard practice in NSW to have a veterinary assessment after 150 days, but that was not written policy.

Dr Kell recommended Racing NSW develop and publish a policy to reflect that requirement.

Racing NSW did not oppose any of the recommendations made.

Profound loss

The inquest heard that Morel was an organ donor who saved two people's lives after her death.

Her family described her as "passionate, loving, full of courage, determined, sparkling" and possessed of "undeniable elegance".

Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee indicated his appreciation for the family's testimony.

"Policy documents, whilst they are important, they are very much sterile, lifeless," he said.

"The statement you have shared today very much puts into perspective why a coronial inquest process exists."

The findings will be handed down on August 21.