For the second time this year, the tight-knit racing community at Caulfield was in mourning after trackrider Friederike Ruhle was killed in a freak accident early on Wednesday morning, the second such death at the racecourse in six months.
The German-born rider, a trackrider for local trainer Byron Cozamanis, was going through her normal work routines until around 5:30am when she fell from her mount.
The 24-year-old was firstly treated by the on-course ambulance but news of the seriousness of the crash soon spread across the track.
An ambulance arrived and hopes of a recovery grew. But just hours later word filtered through that Ms Ruhle had died moments after arriving at the Alfred Hospital.
Her grandparents in Sydney were contacted, as were others members of the family around the world.
No one is sure how the fall occurred. Caulfield racecourse is a busy and often hectic place.
Racing officials said Victoria Police and Worksafe had inspected the track near where the incident happened as part of their investigation into the death.
A local trainer said it had been dark when the rider fell, meaning it was difficult to determine exactly where the accident had happened.
It is the second such death in recent times. Sadly for those at Caulfield, just six months ago they lost English rider Liz Rice, who was found unconscious after falling from a horse at the equine swimming pool at the course.
As with Ms Ruhle, early reports were positive for the Briton. Recovery was very much on the cards.
With her parents flying in from London to be part of a beside vigil, hopes were rising that she would overcome her injuries.
However Rice lost her battle, never recovering from the terrible injuries incurred that morning at Caulfield racecourse.
Female trackriders now very much outnumber their male counterparts.
According to friends and family, Ms Ruhle just "adored" her job because it entailed being with horses.
"You know tens of thousands of horses are worked every day of the year around the world and accidents like this are very minimal," one trainer said.
"But when it happens, it's tragic and heartbreaking but more so a stark and cold reminder of what dangers lie ahead for those who handle racehorses."
Those in the racing industry know the dangers all too well, and while racing is a fiercely competitive sport, all involved will be galvanised by the loss of one of their own.
