Tributes flow for horse racing’s Schick family after shattering death of Jimmy Schick, aged 10

Heartfelt tributes continue to flow for famous horse racing family, the Schicks, who have been crushed by a shattering accident that took the life of their 10-year-old boy, Jimmy.

The Schick family — considered to be racing royalty within the industry — run Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand, and last Sunday father and managing director, Rodney, was involved in a tragic ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) crash with his two sons and a third child.

Rodney was critically injured when the ATV rolled on the family’s Cambridge estate, and his other son Oli, 12, was also injured but is recovering. Another family friend was also involved and hospitalised, but is OK.

The group were reportedly on a hunting trip when they lost control of the vehicle. They were airlifted to hospital where Rodney was placed in intensive care, but, sadly, Jimmy could not be saved.

The family has asked for privacy but have also been “overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support” they have been shown during the extremely difficult time.

They are also extremely grateful to the emergency services teams who attended the scene and — true to the family’s selfless nature — they are asking people to donate to those crews in an amazing act of generosity.

“In lieu of any flowers or food, the family has asked that anyone who wishes to make a contribution, should kindly donate to this Give a Little page,” Windsor Park said in a statement.

“Rodney, Oli and Jack who were rescued at the scene would like to personally distribute all the funds to the amazing emergency services teams including Cambridge Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John Ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter who were truly amazing in our time of need.

“A huge thanks also to our local Police who were fantastic. Our love, thanks and gratitude go out to them all 🙏❤❤”

At the time of writing they had raised $175,000 for those emergency teams.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to flow for Jimmy and one, in particular, was heartbreaking.

On Thursday Windsor Park shared that moving poem to their friends and followers on social media.

The tribute was titled: In Memory of Jimmy, the Little Cowboy We Love, and the Heroes Who Answered the Call

A cowboy’s heart in a young boy’s frame, Jimmy loved each horse by name.

He’d ride too fast, then flash a grin — A tumble of joy, pure mischief within.

With his brother’s laugh and his father near, And a faithful friend he held so dear,

The sun shone down, the breeze blew free, The best day ever, ‘twas meant to be.

But fate can turn with cruel surprise, Beneath familiar, clear blue skies.

The wheels gave way with no warning sound, In that valley, where hills surround.

It tipped, then turned, then lost its place, And tumbled down through time and space.

The air grew still, the light withdrew, Then rescue came with purpose true.

From far and wide, they heard the call, And flew where few would dare at all.

They gave their all, they stayed the fight, And held him through the falling night.

To every hero who came that day, We thank you more than words can say.

With stars as stirrups, the clouds his trail, He rides at sunset, o’er hill and vale.

No track too steep, no gates to close, Where the wild wind sings, the young heart goes.

And to his kin, whose love runs deep, May peace find you in hours of sleep.

For Jimmy rides where pain is gone— A cowboy’s soul, still riding on.

“The Schick family is incredibly grateful for the generous donations and supportive comments on Jimmy’s Emergency Service Give A Little page,” Windsor Park said.

“These messages have provided inspiration and encouragement during an extremely difficult time.”