The major Sunday gathering at York faced a delay following a serious incident during the main race of the day. Jockeys Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan required on-track medical attention after a frightening fall disrupted the event. Fortunately, both jockeys were conscious and later transported to a hospital in Leeds for further care.
The horses involved in the mishap, Almeraq and Tiger Bay, seemed uninjured as they walked away from the incident at the Knavesmire track. Almeraq, ridden by Crowley and a top contender in the 4.30 race known as the Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes, stumbled after a potential heel contact with another horse, leading to the fall just two furlongs before the race’s end. Consequently, Almeraq, under William Haggas’s training, brought down Tiger Bay, ridden by Whelan.
The live coverage of the Sky Bet Sunday Series meeting was broadcast on ITV4. Presenter Oli Bell informed ITV viewers about the situation, stating that both jockeys were alert and being taken to Leeds General Infirmary due to possible leg injuries. Bell expressed relief that the jockeys were awake and able to communicate with the medical team, providing a positive update amidst the tense atmosphere at York.
After the incident, the 5.00 race faced a delay of nearly thirty minutes before normal racing activities resumed.