Rebecca Black, 40, was pronounced dead on the Gore track at the Tapanui Racing Club meeting on Sunday afternoon after her horse, Point Proven, tripped and stumbled, taking her out of the saddle and throwing her to the ground. The horse in front, Misscattlecreek was clipped by Point Proven and fell a top of Black, fatally injuring her. Black was born and raised in Gore, was farewelled at the racecourse - the same venue she died at. Hundreds of people turned out for her service including jockeys from around the South Island. At the end of the service a wagon, pulled by two draft horses, took her and her three children for a lap of the track and they were cheered home by mourners in the last 50 metres. She rode her first two winners at Riverton in 1994. She was a wonderful mother and would have walked over broken glass for her children, Moseley said. Riverton Racing Club president Barry Leith said they had decided to plant a rose in Black's memory at the winning post of the Riverton course. Black was always forthright and not backward in coming forward, but she accepted any decision made and moved on, he said. Friend and fellow jockey Sam Wynne said Black had a tough upbringing and she admired her courage.
"I didn't think it would be possible to go through so much and have such a big smile on your face."
Black's passion for life was infectious and she would be remembered for her courage and her love for her kids, Wynne said. South Island apprentice jockeys mentor Willy Harnett said Black had a great understanding of horses, and as competitive as she was, she was always thinking of the horses she rode.
"That's the reason trainers wanted to put her on their horse."
Friend Anna Huffstutler recalled Black turning up to her house one night asking for a knife, and proceeded to skin a pig on her kitchen table.
"She was fearless and had a heart of gold."