John Murfitt, (1918-3/5/1939). "the horse colided"

DEATH OF JOCKEY.

ROLLED ON BY A HORSE. 

(Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, May 3. 

John Murfitt, a jockey, who was injured when a horse rolled on him at Riccarton on Monday, died in hospital.  -Ashburton Guardian, 4/5/1939.

MURFITT — The Funeral of the late John Murfitt will leave the residence; of Mrs F. McIlroy, 62 Sullivan avenue, on Friday, May 5, at 2 for St. Peter’s. Upper Riccarton Churchyard. 

Geo. Dickinson and Sons.  -Press, 4/5/1939.

ACCIDENTS

JOCKEY DIES FROM INJURIES 

DID NOT REGAIN CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER SPILL 

John Murfitt, a jockey, aged 21, died yesterday from injuries suffered when a horse rolled on him at Riccarton on Monday. He was admitted to the Christchurch Public Hospital, and died without regaining consciousness. He was married only two months ago. An inquest will be held. 

Murfitt was riding a novice jumper, Kaipear, during some schooling at Riccarton, and after a jump the horse collided with Silver Sight, and fell. 

John Murfitt, who in recent years had achieved much success in hurdle races, was noted as a fearless rider, and in addition to his many and successful racing engagements, he was much in demand for the schooling of young horses. A son of J. H. Murfitt, the trotting owner and trainer, he began riding at an early age, and was attached as an apprentice to H. Nurse's stable. He did a good deal of racing on the flat, but took to riding over hurdles early in his career. He was notably successful, his most recent achievement including riding Gold Wren, the Southland horse, in all his winning engagements. He was to ride Gold Wren in this year’s Grand National. 

Murfitt was always a popular rider, and had had engagements in all parts of the country.  -Press, 4/5/1939.

Tribute to a Popular Horseman 

The funeral of John Murfitt at Upper Riccarton yesterday was followed by an exceptionally large assemblage of sympathisers from all parts of the Canterbury district, and most of the sports bodies in the Christchurch area were represented. Numerous wreaths were sent, the list including the Canterbury Jockey Club, Riccarton trainers and track admirers, the jockeys and stable hands of Riccarton, the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association, the Christchurch Boxing Trainers’ Association. and the Riccarton racing reporters.  -Press, 6/5/1939.

St Peters Churchyard, Christchurch.