WIFE OF CHAMPION JOCKEY, MICK, DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

THE racing industry in Queensland is mourning the death of Maureen Dittman, wife of former champion jockey, Mick, who died last night after a long illness.

Maureen, who married Mick when he was an apprentice, enjoyed success as a trainer with her biggest winner, All Ashore, successful in the 1990 Gold Coast Goldmarket.

She met Mick when she was working for trainer Jim Hook at the Gold Coast and was the strength behind ‘The Enforcer’ during his heyday as one of Australia’s best jockeys, based in Sydney.

Maureen always wanted to train but had to wait for regulations that permitted her to take out a license. She prepared her first winner, Cool It Carol, in 1981.

The former, Maureen Hegarty, she was an accomplished equestrian and riding instructor. The team of gallopers that she trained included many of the progeny of her best galloper, All Ashore.

Maureen suffered a brain tumor some years ago and had battled serious illness for some time. She and Mick had a son, Luke, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a jockey.