'We are heartbroken': Racing community mourns popular stablehand after tragic death

Wednesday, 2 July 2025 13:56

Peta Tait, 43, was working in the Busuttin-Young stables at Cranbourne Racecourse about 7.30am when she was kicked in the head by a horse.

The racing community has paid tribute to a well-known stablehand and former amateur jockey who died after being kicked by a horse at a Melbourne racetrack yesterday.

Peta Tait, 43, was working in the Busuttin-Young stables at the Cranbourne Training Centre about 7.30am when she was kicked in the head by a horse.

She was immediately attended by an on-site paramedic, but was unable to be revived.

Peta Tait, 43, was working at the stables at the Cranbourne Training Centre yesterday when she was kicked in the head by a horse.

Busuttin Racing, a partnership between trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, confirmed the passing of the "much-loved team member" in a post to Facebook.

"At this time our thoughts are with those nearest and dearest to Peta, her immediate family and many friends, both inside and outside of the racing industry, as well as her team of colleagues of whom she has maintained strong personal and professional relationships," the statement read.

"Peta was an incredible person who was dedicated to her role and will leave a long-standing legacy.

"We are heartbroken by her loss."

Tait began her career as an amateur "picnic" jockey at the age of 16 and went on to ride 48 winners and more than 120 placegetters.

She won the 2013 Hinnomunjie Cup aboard Gaudalcanal and took out the 2019 Cranbourne Corinthian over 1200m in her final race ride.

Outside of her riding career, Tait worked as a trackwork rider and strapper with Racing Victoria for 20 years.

Racing Victoria today remembered the picnic jockey and trackwork rider as a "popular member of the picnic racing circuit".

"This terrible accident serves as an untimely reminder of the thousands of unsung heroes working in stables each day to provide the best possible care to our racehorses," Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said.

"Like all within our industry, Peta loved horses and she forged a career working with them, helping numerous trainers prepare their horses as a trackwork rider or strapping them on raceday.

"Peta made a valuable contribution to Victorian racing over more than 25 years and her sudden passing will be felt by many, particularly in Cranbourne where she was based."

Emergency services were called to training facilities at the back of Cranbourne Racecourse just after 7.30am.

Southside Racing chief executive Neil Bainbridge said support was being provided to Tait's employer and colleagues.

"On behalf of everyone at Southside Racing, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Peta's family and friends on her tragic passing," Bainbridge said.

"Peta was a well-known and liked member of our community and her absence will be felt by lots of people."

"She forged a career as a picnic jockey, whilst working full-time as a trackwork rider and assistant for a number trainers at Cranbourne and throughout Gippsland."

Victoria Police attended the site and will prepare a report for the coroner.

WorkSafe also attended and is investigating the circumstances of the accident.

Counselling and support is being provided to Tait's family, the local racing community and industry employees, according to RV.

Members of the racing industry are encouraged to utilise the free, confidential counselling service STABLELINE on 1300 530 122 if they need support.

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