Lyle Hewitson, Jerry Chau and Karis Teetan came down when the favourite suffered a fracture, bringing down two others, in a race at Happy Valley on Wednesday in Hong Kong
Three jockeys were rushed to hospital after an horrific incident in which a horse suffered a fatal injury. Lyle Hewitson, Jerry Chau and Karis Teetan were riding in race 5 at Happy Valley, in Hong Kong, on Wednesday, a 5f race handicap.
South African Hewitson was riding the 2-1 favourite Seasons Wit, trained by Jamie Richards, when tragedy struck. The horse was being ridden to make a challenge from over a furlong out when he fell 75 yards from the line.
Eternal Fortune, ridden by Chau, and Teetan’s mount Watch This One were right behind Seasons Wit and were brought down, unable to avoid the stricken favourite.
Medics rushed to the aid of the riders who were all transferred to hospital for further assessment.
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A Hong Kong Jockey Club statement said: “Lyle Hewitson and Jerry C L Chau are both conscious following the incident. Karis Teetan, who was also dislodged and is conscious, subsequently stood down from his remaining riding engagements.
“The Club’s Veterinary Officer reported that Seasons Wit suffered a catastrophic fracture of the left forefetlock and could not be saved following the incident, while Eternal Fortunre and Watch This One were sent to the equine hospital for further examination.”
In a further announcement the HKJC said x-rays had revealed that Hewitson had “fractures of his wrist and suspected ankle, with no other identities injuries and he remains under observation”.
The imaging revealed no injuries to Chau who also remained under observation. Teetan was undergoing precautionary imaging.”
Mauritian Teetan has become one of the top riders in Hong Kong and was called up to ride the world’s top sprinter Ka Ying Rising to win a Group 1 in February when regular partner Zac Purton was sidelined.
The rider, who is due to compete in Ascot’s Shergar Cup in August, is sixth in the standings with 38 wins. Hewitson, who has ridden 28 winners ,and Chau, 21. had both ridden winners earlier on the card.