Kosuke Matsumato was pronounced dead in hospital after being knocked unconscious when his mount was struck by a horse which had bolted at Sonoda racecourse in Japan

A jockey has tragically died after a freak training accident.

Kosuke Matsumato, who was 43, was taking part in a routine work session at Sonoda racecourse in Amagasaki, Japan on Monday morning.

According to local media reports, he was exercising his horse on the track when another horse, which has been heading to the stable area after completing training, suddenly bolted.

The out of control horse ran back onto the track and crashed into Matsumato’s mount and another horse, sending all three riders to the ground.

Matsumato was knocked unconscious and rushed to hospital in Amagasaki City by ambulance in a critical condition where he later died, the reports said.

The two other riders escaped with bruises and other minor injuries from the incident.

Amagasaki police launched an investigation and their initial report found the accident was caused after a horse ran out of control during training and collided with Matsumato’s mount.

Police said Matsumato suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital in ‘cardiopulmonary arrest’.

He was pronounced dead having not regained consciousness.

Matsumoto began his career in 2002 and rode 261 winners on the local National Association of Racing circuit.

He was booked on mounts at Sonoda on Tuesday where a moment of silence was held to remember him.

Matsumato’s older brother Komaki, who is also a jockey, paid tribute to his sibling.

“It’s not anyone’s fault, but it’s painful,” he said. “On the day of racing we would have a meal together every night.”

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