Vale Fiona Ralph

It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Bendigo Jockey Club (BJC) acknowledge the passing of registered stablehand Fiona Ralph.

Fiona, 58, passed away in the Royal Melbourne Hospital across the weekend as a result of an injury sustained during the course of her duties at last Tuesday’s Bendigo race meeting where she is believed to have fallen in the tie-up stalls and hit her head. 

After being attended to by the on-course medical team, Fiona’s condition deteriorated such that she was airlifted to Melbourne where she underwent emergency surgery but was ultimately unable to be saved.

Fiona was first registered as a stablehand in Victoria in 2016. After being registered for one season, she took a break before renewing her registration in January 2024 to work for Bendigo trainer Toby Lake with whom she has remained since.

RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “We are shocked and saddened at the news of Fiona’s passing after what appears to be a tragic accident on raceday at Bendigo.

“On behalf of all within the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Fiona’s family and friends at this incredibly tough time. 

“Our thoughts are also with trainer Toby Lake and his staff, along with the team at the Bendigo Jockey Club who are equally shocked at Fiona’s passing.

“Fiona had an incredible love of animals, whether they flew, swam or ran. She grew up alongside horses and she got to combine her passion for animals with her work at the Lake stables. 

“In this tough time, her family have taken comfort knowing that she got to spend her last day watching two of her favourite racehorses at the track.

“The racing community is a big family who share a common love of the horse and I know that this sad news will be felt by all, regardless of whether they knew Fiona.

“In particular, we’re thinking of all of the stable staff across the state who are providing care for the horses every day, just as Fiona did, and are the unsung heroes of our sport.

“Together with others in the industry, we are providing all the support we can to Fiona’s family and the Bendigo racing community to assist them in dealing with this tragic outcome.” 

BJC Chief Executive, Paul Scullie, said: “All within our local racing community are devastated at the loss of beloved friend and colleague, Fiona Ralph. Her passing in such tragic circumstances is a shock to us all and one that will take time to overcome.

“On behalf of the Bendigo Jockey Club, I want to extend our sincere condolences to Fiona’s family and friends, along with Toby and all his staff. 

“We are here to assist in any way possible and will look to acknowledge Fiona’s contribution to the local racing community at our race meeting on Wednesday.”

Any licensed or registered participant that would like some support at this time is encouraged to contact the industry’s free, independent counselling service, Stableline, on 1300 520 122.