FAMILY, friends and colleagues will gather to celebrate the life of jockey Lorna Brooke later this month.

A celebration of Lorna’s life will be held at Ludlow Racecourse during and immediately after racing on Monday, May 24.

Amateur jockey Lorna, 37, was riding Orchestrated for her mother, Lady Susan Brooke, who is based in Dolau, near Llandrindod Wells, when she fell at the third fence in the Pontispool Equine Sports Centre Handicap Chase in Taunton on April 8.

Racing was delayed by more than hour as she was treated on track, before being transferred into an air ambulance. Lorna was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for observation and tests on a suspected spinal injury. After complications she was placed in an induced coma the following day. She died 10 days later on April 19.

Lorna’s parents, Sir Alistair and Lady Susan Brooke, invite Lorna’s friends and colleagues to join them in a marquee in the Club Enclosure at Ludlow Racecourse on May 24.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, proper protocols must be observed, and all proposed attendees must book in with Ludlow Racecourse on 01584 856221 no later than Monday, May 17.

The Amateur Jockeys Association (AJA) is sponsoring the 3.50pm Amateur Riders Hurdle Race at the meeting in memory of Lorna.

The Dolau community paid to Lorna following her death. “Our thoughts are with Lorna’s family,” Llanfihangel Rhydithon Community Primary School said. “She would always smile and wave at the children in the playground whilst riding past.”

A Dolau Community Hall spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Alistair and Sue and this sad time. Lorna was out riding numerous times a day in the village, her smile will be truly missed.”

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones tweeted: “This is desperately sad news. I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to Lorna's family and friends.”

AP McCoy was among the leading racing figures to pay tribute, writing on Twitter: “Heartbreakingly sad news. Thoughts and prayers with her family. RIP Lorna.”

Lorna had partnered 17 winners in Britain and Ireland since the 2001/02 season, riding largely for her mother, but also teaming up with Shropshire-based John Groucott on a regular basis.