Jockey pays tribute to 'beautiful' daughter after death at his stable

Ellie Mae Shaw was enjoying a tractor ride with her father Derek at his base in Sproxton, Leicestershire, when he went to help her down and she fell.

The youngster was taken to hospital by air ambulance following the accident on Monday afternoon but died a short time later.

Mr Shaw, 52, a former jockey and now a successful horse trainer, released a statement with his 34-year-old wife Lyndsey yesterday.

In it, the couple said: "Our little princess Ellie was the most beautiful, happy little girl and the world is now a much poorer place. She will be sorely missed by all her friends and family who loved her dearly."

The couple added: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the service of the air ambulance who arrived very quickly and if Ellie could have been saved their speedy response would have given her every chance.

"The whole family cannot believe how wonderful the doctors and nurses were at Coventry and Walsgrave Hospital.

"In support and appreciation, in Ellie's memory and in the hope that another life can be saved, we would be very grateful if anyone who wishes to make a donation could send us a cheque made payable to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance."

A relative added: "It is just tragic. It is just so unbelievable that it has happened."

Mr Shaw and his wife were being comforted by relatives at their home today.

A successful jump jockey for 11 years, Mr Shaw became a trainer in 1991. He was based in Nottinghamshire before moving to Sproxton, where he set up Derek Shaw Racing on a 50-acre site.

Mr Shaw is regarded as one of the country's top all-weather trainers. He has been behind hundreds of winners, including nine so far this winter.

Leicestershire Police said they were investigating the incident.