Vale Shane McGovern

The Queensland racing industry is mourning the loss of Shane McGovern following his tragic death.

Earlier this morning, Shane passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained during a trackwork incident in early April. 

Originally hailing from New Zealand, Shane spent his formative years in Australia riding on the picnic circuit in Victoria, which also included a city winner.

Shane and his wife Kim spent years travelling around the country, preparing their team of horses wherever they settled.

The pair had three stints in Longreach over the years, as well as Yeppoon in Central Queensland before recently basing themselves at Charters Towers.

“First and foremost, our sincerest condolences are extended to Kim and the McGovern family. On behalf of Racing Queensland and the Board, our thoughts are with them at this tragic time,” RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said.

“Shane was a natural horseman, dedicating his entire life to the thoroughbred industry, and has been an invaluable supporter of racing in the North and North West of the state. 

“He was universally loved and admired amongst those who had the pleasure of knowing Shane, and his unwavering commitment to the industry – particularly in the regional areas of the state – was integral over a number of years. 

“It’s important that we rally together and for our participants to be supported, and we will be providing support services for industry participants who are grieving Shane’s loss.”

During his career in the saddle, Shane notched up more than 300 winners, the majority of which were in the Sunshine State. 

Shane is survived by his wife Kim, and children Col, Chad and Dion. 

“On behalf of the Australian Jockeys’ Association, I’d like to offer my deepest sympathies to Kim and the McGovern family,” AJA OH&S & Insurance Officer Kevin Ring said. 

“Shane was a fantastic horseman, a champion for the racing industry and most importantly an unbelievable person.

“His loss will be felt across the country, and the AJA will continue to support its members in any way possible following Shane’s passing.” 

Following Shane’s accident, the Queensland Jockeys’ Association established a GoFundMe to support Kim and the McGovern family, which to date has raised in excess of $80,000. 

The QJA has also arranged for black armbands to be worn at all meetings across the state this week in honour of Shane. 

"The QJA and our members are incredibly saddened by the loss of our colleague Shane and we send our condolences to his partner Kim, and his family and friends,” QJA General Manager Glen Prentice said.

As part of RQ’s Mental Health Support Program, industry participants can access confidential counselling and support services on a 24/7 basis via Telus Health on 1300 360 364.

RQ will continue to work with participants in North Queensland region to provide onsite support for anyone who may be seeking immediate assistance via a support counsellor.

“On behalf of the Commissioners and the entire staff at the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, I extend our sincere condolences to Kim and the McGovern family on the news of Shane’s passing,” QRIC Commissioner Catherine Clark said. 

“We are deeply saddened by the news and stand alongside Shane’s family and friends, within and beyond the racing community, in recognising his commitment to and passion for our sport.”