A former Queensland jockey, Ms Philpot moved to Bendigo in 2014 with her husband, licensed trainer Gus Philpot, and their daughters, Jessie and Montana.

Racing Victoria chief executive officer Giles Thompson paid tribute to the track rider in a statement on Tuesday night.

“Donna devoted much of her life to thoroughbred racing and was a loved and valued member of the racing community,” Mr Thompson said. 

“Her sad passing will be felt by many within the industry.”

UPDATE 4.10pm: The head of Racing Victoria has described as tragic the death of a track rider at Bendigo Jockey Club this morning. 

In a statement released today, RV chief executive officer Giles Thompson sent his condolences to the friends and family of the deceased woman, saying she was a valued member of the racing community.   

“We are working with the Bendigo Jockey Club to offer assistance to the family, the local racing community and industry employees at this sad time,” Mr Thompson said. 

UPDATE 2.50pm: WorkSafe has released a statement, saying the woman’s death is one of two incidents being investigated in Victoria today.

A carpenter also died in an unrelated incident at Kalkallo, north of Melbourne. The carpenter, in his late 60s, was installing flooring on the first floor of a double-storey house when he fell to the ground.

In the statement WorkSafe also said the woman who died at Bendigo was a stablehand.

“It is understood the woman was taking part in barrier work when her horse suffered an injury and stumbled,” the statement read. 

“The woman fell to the ground and was struck by her horse. The horse was subsequently put down.”

The two deaths bring to four the number of workers who have died in Victoria in less than seven days.

WorkSafe health and safety executive director Marnie Williams said it had been a horror week for Victorian workers and their families.

“Each of these deaths is a tragedy that is devastating for their families, their workmates and their communities,” Ms Williams said.

“It can never be acceptable that a worker does not get home safely at the end of each day. It is why employers and workers must remain vigilant, don’t take risks and put safety first.”

UPDATE 2.30pm: The horse involved in this morning’s incident was euthanised by a veterinarian as a result of the injuries it had sustained.

Racing Victoria said in a statement it was working with the Bendigo Jockey Club to offer its assistance to the family and local racing community.

EARLIER: A WOMAN has died after falling from a horse at the Bendigo Jockey Club on Tuesday morning.

Police and Ambulance Victoria were called to the scene at 9.45am.

In a statement, police said from early investigations it appeared the woman, in her 40s, was riding trackwork when she fell, and a horse rolled on top of her.

The woman died at the scene.

Police and WorkSafe are investigating.