Steve Richards, a respected horse racing trainer, has died after suffering a head injury from falling off a tram in Melbourne, Australia. The 70-year-old had been in a coma since the accident last week and passed away on Thursday.
Richards fell and hit his head on the pavement while getting off a tram. He was rushed to hospital where he remained in a coma. A family statement earlier this week expressed gratitude to the ambulance and hospital team for their care, noting that Richards faced a long road to recovery.
Over a 40-year career, Richards trained 273 winners, including 15 Group race winners, with two at the highest Group 1 level. Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison paid tribute, saying Richards was a highly respected trainer known for his ability to identify and develop young horses, and for his willingness to help others in the sport.
Richards survived a serious incident in 2016 when a horse kicked him, requiring the removal of his spleen and causing broken ribs and lung damage. He is survived by his wife Maryanne and daughters Brooke and Laura.
