'Universally loved' Queensland jockey Shane McGovern dies six weeks after freak accident

Veteran jockey Shane McGovern has died after a freak accident last month.

McGovern was riding trackwork in Charters Towers - 130km out of Townsville - when nine-year-old gelding Reformist suffered an aneurysm, collapsing on top of the jockey.

He was discovered six hours later by his wife and trainer Kim.

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The 67-year-old had both his legs amputated following the incident in early-April and has been battling health complications ever since.

McGovern went into palliative care earlier in the week, with the news of his tragic passing confirmed by Racing Queensland on Saturday morning.

"First and foremost, our sincerest condolences are extended to Kim and the McGovern family. On behalf of Racing Queensland and the board, our thoughts are with them at this tragic time," RQ acting chief executive Lachlan Murray said.

"Shane was a natural horseman, dedicating his entire life to the thoroughbred industry, and has been an invaluable supporter of racing in the north and north west of the state.

"He was universally loved and admired amongst those who had the pleasure of knowing Shane, and his unwavering commitment to the industry – particularly in the regional areas of the state – was integral over a number of years."

Since the accident first occurred, the Queensland Jockeys' Association had set up a GoFundMe page that has now raised close to $85,000 for his family.

Jockeys and trainers across the country will wear black armbands in race four in McGovern's honour during Saturday race meetings.