Funeral date set for jockey Samara Johnson

Mourners have been asked to wear jeans, boots and a dash of purple when popular jockey Samara Johnson is farewelled at Toompang racecourse in Young.

The funeral for 25-year-old, who died in a car accident on the NSW Riverina on December 3, will be held next Tuesday.

Johnson’s partner, Canberra trainer Garry Kirkup remains in Canberra Hospital where he continues to recover from injuries sustained in the single vehicle accident at Eurongilly.

Johnson’s family have requested that in lieu of flowers, people donates to the National Jockeys Trust.

They also asked mourners to dress casual with jeans, boots and something purple – Johnson’s favourite colour.

Sydney trainer Pat Webster and Racing NSW counsellor will visit Canberra on Wednesday to offer support to friends and family of Johnson as part of the Racing Mates program designed to support participants in need.

Webster said it was an opportunity for the local racing community, many of whom have been working overtime to ensure Kirkup’s stable remained operational, to get together to talk about what had happened.

“It’s most important for people to talk,” Webster said.