by The memory of cradling his partner on the racetrack shortly after she fell to her death will remain etched in Tim Cook’s memory forever.
This week marks 10 years since the tragic passing of talented and beloved Queensland jockey Carly-Mae Pye.
Her fatal fall sparked grief across the Australian horse racing industry and tributes poured in from around the world.
“She died doing what she wanted to do,” said Carly-Mae’s heartbroken partner Cook.
Horse trainer Tim Cook on the grass where his partner Carly-Mae Pye tragically lost her life. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)
The 26-year-old died after she fell while jumping from her horse in Rockhampton, central Queensland, in 2014.
The horse trainer was just a few feet away and watched as the horse Carly-Mae was riding broke both front legs as it jumped out, throwing the love of his life headfirst onto the track.
Cook said in an instant, his world and the couple’s future changed.
“I can remember leading Carly-Mae onto the track that morning and I can remember her falling right in front of us,” Cook said.
“The moment we first saw her, which was about 15 to 20 seconds after her fall, I knew in that moment that my life had changed… I’ll never forget that.”
Carly-Mae Pye was an incredibly talented rider and rider. (Delivered: Tim Cook)
“Carly-Mae will always be with us”
The pain is visible on the broken Cook’s face every day.
He said the couple had discussed marriage just days before the incident that shocked the racing world.
“She said, ‘We’re not getting an engagement ring until the Boxing Day sales,'” Cook said, wiping away tears.
“Carly-Mae was a bit of a bargain hunter, but that’s exactly what she wanted.”
Tim Cook visits his partner’s memorial at Rockhampton Racecourse every day. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)
Life will never be the same, but Carly-Mae’s spirit lives on in his purple and pink Star Race silks.
“Throughout my coaching career, I will continue to have my horses compete in the purple colors, and they will always wear the headband with Carly-Mae’s initials,” Cook said.
“She was a great person… her smile, attitude and presence made everyone’s lives much easier in the future.”
Carly-Mae Pye rode almost 200 winners across Queensland, many in the star colors of purple and pink. (Delivered: Tim Cook)
Every year on Caulfield Cup Day a race is held in her honor at the same racecourse where she lost her life.
Cook said when his runners run in Carly-Mae’s honor this weekend, his partner will join them on the track.
“It’s been 10 years, but Carly-Mae will always be with us,” he said.
The pair were a winning combination on and off the track. (Delivered: Tim Cook)
A role model for young riders
Carly-Mae was a champion rider, having come through the ranks of a pony club before turning to horse racing.
Simon Irwin was president of the Pony Club Queensland at the time.
The current managing director of Beef Australia said Carly-Mae was a beautiful soul and rider.
As a role model for young riders, Carly-Mae Pye climbed the ranks and became a state equestrian champion. (Delivered: Tim Cook)
“Carly-Mae was just one of those people who was full of life, and it took a long time for all of us to understand what had happened,” he said.
“She was a rider. She just got it. She was one with the animals. She was terribly talented at riding.”
“She was a role model for many of the young drivers and she was definitely the right one.”
Carly-Mae Pye was at one with her horses on her property. (Delivered: Tim Cook)
There are honors for the anniversary
On the 10th anniversary of Carly-Mae’s death, racing officials from across the country paid tribute to the talented rider.
“Carly-Mae Pye was an incredibly talented rider and rider who excelled in equestrian sport and as a jockey, producing almost 200 winners,” Racing Queensland managing director Jason Scott said.
“Ten years on, her sad death is a timely reminder of the risks our jockeys face every day.”
Carly-Mae Pye’s memory remains alive with an annual trophy race in her honor. (Supplied: Racing Queensland)
Australian Jockeys’ Association chairman Craig Staples said all riders deserved to return home to their loved ones every day.
“It’s a tragedy that we’re losing drivers’ lives… it’s such a dangerous game and our condolences go out to them and their families,” he said.
“This game is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet and until we can make it safer, our job at the Australian Jockeys’ Association will never end.”
The Australian Jockeys’ Association says there will always be some risk to the sport. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)
