Dramatic scene: Horse struggles with death on the racetrack, the jockey's reaction melts hearts

Sydney (Australia) - Dramatic scenes unfolded at the weekend during a horse race in Sydney, Australia. In one race, the horses were just turning onto the home straight when one of the animals suddenly threw off its rider, collapsed and repeatedly flung its legs uncontrollably towards the sky. It was clearly struggling with death.

Jockey Jason Collett (33) put his own life at risk when he tried to help his fallen horse.
Jockey Jason Collett (33) put his own life at risk when he tried to help his fallen horse.  © IMAGO / AAP

When the spectators lost their breath and an eerie silence spread through the stands, jockey Jason Collett (33) reacted with presence of mind.

The experienced rider didn't hesitate for a second, he recovered from his own fall and accepted an injury, but he didn't care. He ran to the horse and then held his head until help rushed onto the track.

As it became known after the competition, the animal had apparently suffered an internal hemorrhage. Miraculously, however, "Think About it" survived. Trainer Joseph Pride told the Sydney Morning Herald: "I've seen horses go down like that and unfortunately not get up again."

Spectators had feared the same thing when officials set up a screen around the animal. "I saw his head pop up above the screen. It was unbelievable," said the horse's coach, describing the moment when a saving sign of life came from his animal.

A year ago, "Think About It" won the world's most lucrative race.
A year ago, "Think About It" won the world's most lucrative race.  © IMAGO / AAP

Almost exactly one year ago, the horse won the world's most prestigious race

Anxious scenes played out as the animal struggled with death and the jockey quickly rushed to the animal's head to calm it down.
Anxious scenes played out as the animal struggled with death and the jockey quickly rushed to the animal's head to calm it down.  © Screenshot/X/RacingIdentity

A short time later, the champion horse was able to leave the racecourse, and Pride still couldn't believe his luck the next morning.

"I'm so happy to see him this morning. I can't believe he doesn't even seem to be in pain from the fall. He rolled over and at a speed of about 60 km/h," said the trainer.

"Think About It" also almost jumped off the brink of death on a very special day. A year ago, on October 14, the animal won the "Everest" prize, the world's most lucrative horse race with prize money of 20 million dollars (the equivalent of around 18.5 million euros).

On the internet, where the video of the fall and the rider's reaction went around the world, homage was paid to Collett in particular, who risked his life to stand by the horse in this difficult hour.

However, both recovered quickly from this great shock.