Cranbourne Turf, Saloon Park front court over former Hamilton jockey's death

Cranbourne Turf Club and horse trainer Saloon Park Pty Ltd have been committed to stand trial over the death of former Hamilton apprentice jockey Mikaela Claridge in 2019.

The 22-year-old was killed after falling from a horse while riding a section of Cranbourne Turf Club known as the sand trails on the morning of August 30, 2019.

The club and horse trainer were committed to stand trial on Thursday after pleading not guilty to charges under the OH&S act.

WorkSafe charged Cranbourne Turf Club with breaches of the Act in February this year.

It alleges the club failed to maintain the sand trails and ensure they were safe for use.

It also alleges Saloon Park failed to ensure its employees did not ride the sand trails track in the dark.

Magistrate Frances Medine directed the club and trainer to appear in the County Court of Victoria at a later date for a directions hearing.

Earlier, Wednesday:

WorkSafe reports relating to the death of a former Hamilton jockey at Cranbourne Turf Club did not mention the state of visibility at the track when training in the dark, a court has heard.

Cranbourne Turf Club and horse trainer Saloon Park Pty Ltd are appearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court for a committal hearing into the death of apprentice jockey Mikaela Claridge in 2019.

The 22-year-old was killed after falling from a horse while riding a section of Cranbourne Turf Club known as the sand trails on the morning of August 30, 2019.

The club was charged with six breaches of the OH&S Act in February this year.

WorkSafe alleges the club failed to maintain the sand trails and ensure it was safe for use.

It also alleges Saloon Park failed to ensure its employees did not ride the sand trails track in the dark.

During questioning on Wednesday, WorkSafe senior investigator David Steer said he attended the Cranbourne track following Ms Claridges' death in 2019 and observed a tree branch overhanging nearly two metres of the track.

He said he didn't note any other hazards at the track that morning and that an industry safety alert relating to the use of sandtrails during the hours of darkness was not issued.

The court heard WorkSafe OH&S inspector Noel Lewis also identified the overhanging tree, as well as water pools in the sand.

He said a prohibition notice, which is issued if there is reasonable belief that there's an immediate risk to health or safety, was issued to Cranbourne Turf Club in respect of the track condition.

He said the notice did not relate to visibility during the dark or the presence of wildlife on the track.

The court heard a prohibition notice was not issued to Saloon Park.

The hearing continues on Thursday.

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