Hong Kong apprentice Wai "Willy" Kan, who rode in Britain last summer, died yesterday after a fall at Sha Tin.

She was riding Happy King, who reportedly clipped the heels of another horse and stumbled while making a turn.

Kan, 20, was trampled by other horses and lost consciousness. She was rushed to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. Kan had a stint in Britain in 1998 and won an apprentice race at Haydock Park in July on the David Nicholls-trained Nervous Rex.

Her mount crashed through the rail after the winning post that day, leaving Kan with concussion and an eye injury which eventually required surgery.

Kan was considered by many to be one of Hong Kong's leading apprentices and had ridden six winners this season.