Rider killed, partner injured in crash

Picnic jockey Samara Johnson has died and her partner, Canberra trainer Garry Kirkup, has suffered serious injuries in a single car crash in the NSW Riverina.

The accident happened on Sunday afternoon at Eurongilly between Junee and Gundagai.

Canberra Racing Club chief executive Peter Stubbs said Kirkup had undergone an operation at the Canberra Hospital on Sunday night and was due to have further surgery on Monday.

“I understand Garry has severe abdominal injuries,” Stubbs told RSN927.

“Family and friends visited him last night. He is in a critical condition.

“Samara was an approved rider and successful picnic jockey and track rider at Canberra.”