Horrific accident at a horse race! Teenager suffers torn lung and fractured cervical vertebrae
Newcastle upon Tyne (Great Britain) - He is at home on the racecourse, is one of the greatest talents in English galloping - and even has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Italian jockey legend Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori (53). But now there is great concern about Rhys Elliott (18).
The 18-year-old suffered a serious fall during a race in Newcastle, England, last Tuesday evening (local time) and had to be taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Together with his four-year-old gelding Masterpainter, the teenager had led the field for a long time and was already considered the favorite in the run-up to the last of the nine races of the Free Digital Racecard event. However, he and third-placed Rowan Scott came too close to each other on the home straight and touched, causing him to fall to the ground.
Paramedics immediately rushed to the track and tended to the injured athlete before he was taken to the nearby hospital.
Jockey Rhys Elliott in hospital after a fall: New update on his state of health
An update on his health was posted on social media: "He has a torn lung and small fractures to his neck and spine, but the good news is that they will heal and he hopes to be out of hospital soon," announced Michael Dods, one of County Durham's leading trainers, in a Facebook post.
"Of course it could have been a lot worse and both Rhys and the horse are very lucky," said Dods.
His agent Paul Brierley also commented on the incident and wanted to "thank everyone for the messages" that the teenager had received.
The incident at Newcastle Racecourse was investigated by the race organizers, but it was concluded that it was an accident - and that there was no evidence of intent on the part of either rider.