Star hoop Natasha Faithfull left reeling after death of horse she was riding in horror Port Hedland race fall

One of WA’s top jockeys says she is devastated by the death of the horse she was riding when the pair took a horror fall during a race in Port Hedland. Albany’s Natasha Faithfull is recovering after she fell from Captain Crocket in race two at Port Hedland on Sunday. Faithfull is among the top five jockeys in WA when it comes to most wins this season and has recorded nearly 100 victories in 2023-24. But all that experience has done little to soften the blow of the incident — which has left the 30-year-old shaken up. Faithfull will not be deterred from getting back in the saddle after her latest setback but was saddened to learn that Captain Crocket had been euthanised. “It’s very upsetting and everyone’s worst nightmare. For those involved — trainers, riders and strappers of the horse — to have that happen,” she said. “There was nothing, for me, that could have been done. The horse didn’t feel unsound. “I’m going to be fine, and mentally, I’m keen to get back riding. “As jockeys, we know the risks involved but it’s sad losing the horse, it’s really upsetting actually.” Faithfull herself was nearly killed in a freak accident in 2019 when a horse she was riding at Middleton Beach in Albany got spooked and fell on top of her. Faithfull suffered multiple fractures, collapsed lungs and a lacerated liver and spent time in intensive care. She also broke her ankle in a nasty race fall at Kalgoorlie in 2017. She said injuries and race falls are part and parcel of the sport she loves but they are always made harder to deal with when it effects the horse. Captain Crocket was running fourth in the 1600m race when the animal mis-strode, causing Faithfull to fall. Paramedics rushed to her aid and she was taken to the hospital with a concussion. Fortunately she was discharged the next day. “It was just one of those things; this was just a freak accident,” Faithfull said. “He went down with no warning. “I was a bit hazy when I first hit the ground, but I remember the race and everyone coming up to me after asking me questions.” Faithfull has been stood down for the mandatory 12 days under racing’s concussion protocols and needs medical clearance before she can return to the track. “I’m pretty lucky, physically I’m fine,” she said. “A couple of scratches, and I’m a bit stiff and sore, but I feel good, and I’ve seen the doctor who was happy with how I’m going. “I’ll have an easier week and get back to the gym on the weekend and hopefully back riding next week. “This won’t stop me. I’ve worked really hard to get here, and I love riding.”