A tragic incident unfolded at Ascot on Friday when a horse sustained a fatal injury and a jockey had to be hospitalized. The unfortunate event occurred during the Sodexo Live! Handicap race as the front-runners were nearing the final furlong.
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy, riding Excellent Echo, fell during the race, while Nordic Norm, ridden by Sam James, also stumbled. Murphy quickly got back on his feet, but Excellent Echo, who suffered a broken leg, continued running before being stopped by the handler near the finish line.
Privacy screens were set up around the injured three-year-old horse as veterinary professionals attended to him on-site. Meanwhile, Sam James remained on the track for some time until medical help arrived. Subsequently, James was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
A spokesperson from Ascot confirmed the unfortunate outcome for Excellent Echo and provided updates on the jockeys’ conditions. Oisin Murphy escaped major injuries, while Sam James was conscious and receiving medical care for cuts and bruises.
Stewards intended to investigate potential interference during the race involving multiple horses but had to postpone the inquiry due to the medical attention required by the involved jockeys. The investigation into the incidents will resume at a later date.
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