Much-loved former jockey Peta Tait has been identified as the stablehand who was tragically killed in a freak accident at Cranbourne Training Centre on Tuesday morning.

The 43-year-old died after she was believed to have been kicked by a horse.

Victoria Police said CPR was performed but the stable employee could not be revived.

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Tait was a prominent and active member of the Victorian racing community for nearly three decades.

She first got her license as a picnic jockey at the age of 16 and continued to work full-time as a trackwork rider while assisting several trainers from Cranbourne and the Gippsland area.

“Peta was licensed as a picnic jockey from 1998 to 2019 riding 48 winners, including the 2013 Hinnomunjie Cup aboard Gaudalcanal, and over 120 placegetters in that time,” RV’s statement goes on.

“She enjoyed an incredible end to her amateur race riding career when she won the annual picnic feature, the Cranbourne Corinthian (1200m), on Unruly Student at her final race ride on October 11, 2019.

“Peta has been registered as a stable employee with RV since 2006, playing a key role in the training and education of horses in her capacity as a trackwork rider. She was also a regular feature at race meetings strapping horses for numerous stables.”

RV chief executive Aaron Morrison passed on the industry’s condolences to those close to Tait.

Peta Tait has sadly passed away. Credit: Getty

“On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Peta’s family, friends and work colleagues on the tragic news of her passing,” he said.

“This terrible accident serves as an untimely reminder of the thousands of unsung heroes working in stables each day to provide the best possible care to our racehorses.

“Like all within our industry, Peta loved horses and she forged a career working with them, helping numerous trainers prepare their horses as a trackwork rider or strapping them on raceday.

“She was also a popular member of the picnic racing circuit, enjoying the unique thrill of competing in races as an amateur jockey and doing so with success.

“Peta made a valuable contribution to Victorian racing over more than 25 years and her sudden passing will be felt by many, particularly in Cranbourne where she was based.”

Tait’s employer Busuttin Racing say they are devastated.

“It is with tremendous sadness that Busuttin Racing confirm the passing of much loved team member Peta Tait following a tragic accident at our Cranbourne stable yesterday morning,” their statement reads.

“At this time our thoughts are with those nearest and dearest to Peta, her immediate family and many friends, both inside and outside of the racing industry, as well as her team of colleagues of whom she had maintained strong personal and professional relationships.

“Peta was an incredible person who was dedicated to her role and will leave a long-standing legacy. We are heartbroken by her loss.”