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Veteran Queensland Jockey Shane McGovern Dies After Training Accident

His death follows weeks of surgery and infection after a Charters Towers trackwork collapse, prompting industry tributes and a coroner’s report.

Overview

  • McGovern was trapped beneath his horse after the animal collapsed during trackwork in Charters Towers in early April, and he was not found for about six hours.
  • Doctors amputated both of his legs after the initial injury cut off blood supply and caused severe nerve and tissue damage.
  • Postoperative complications including infection and internal bleeding led to his transfer to palliative care before his death was confirmed by the Australian Jockeys Association on Saturday.
  • The racing community has raised roughly A$83,000–A$86,000 for his family and held tributes such as jockeys wearing black armbands at meetings.
  • Queensland Police will prepare a report for the state coroner and racing bodies have pledged support as funeral arrangements and industry welfare measures are organised.