The body of popular jockey Chris Caserta has been found after he was swept out to sea during a late night swim off the Gold Coast.
Caserta initially went missing on Wednesday after taking to the ocean off a beach on Surfers Paradise alongside trackworker Amy Graham at around 10pm local time.
The pair came into trouble off the Australian coast and were spotted by passers-by who acted quickly to bring Graham back onto dry land, however Caserta was nowhere to be seen.
Following his disappearance a large-scale search party was put in place to find the jockey, however Gold Coast police have now confirmed he has been found dead.
In a statement the police department said: "Surf Life Saving Queensland lifesavers on wave runners found the body in the surf break just south of the sand pumping jetty around 8.30am this morning."
The Victorian Jockeys' Association chief executive Matt Hyland paid tribute to Caserta following his passing.
"To lose such a gifted person and talented jockey in such sad circumstances at just 26 years old is extremely difficult to accept.
"On behalf of the entire Victorian jockey group, we extend our deepest sympathies to Chris's family and friends."
Following the 26-year-old's tragic death, Caserta’s swimming partner Graham took to social media and posted a heartbreaking message in memory of the horse racing star.
She said: "I'm lost for words. It hit hard this morning when I realised your smiling face wouldn't be seen to greet me at work anymore.
"I don't even know how to feel, I don't know what to say except that I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you."
During her heartfelt message the 25-year-old also made reference to Wednesday’s devastating events, adding that she 'tried so hard' to keep them both alive.
Graham continued: "I tried so so hard to make sure we both got out of there alive. Wherever you are, please know that I did everything I could to save you, and I wish I could have done more.
"Wednesday night was the most traumatic, scariest and saddest night of my life. Neither of us intended for such an innocent decision to turn out so bad,' the post continued."
“Chris, rest easy and keep smiling up there. We all love you.”
