Horse dies and jockey taken to hospital after horrific incident at Ascot

A horse suffered a fatal injury and a jockey taken to hospital after an horrific incident at Ascot on Friday. The accident happened as the leaders began their challenges in the Sodexo Live! Handicap, over 7f, with one furlong to run.

Excellent Echo, ridden by champion jockey Oisin Murphy, came down and Nordic Norm, under Sam James, hit the ground. Murphy was on his feet quickly but Excellent Echo, who had suffered a broken leg, made the best of his way up the track before he was caught by his handler near the winning post.

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Black screens were erected around the Dominic Ffrench Davis-trained three-year-old for privacy and a horse ambulance was on the scene while vets attended to him.

Meanwhile James lay on the track for several minutes, with Murphy standing by, until an ambulance arrived on the track. The jockey was then stretchered into the waiting vehicle and taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for Ascot said: “Unfortunately following an incident during the seventh race today, Excellent Echo suffered a fatal injury.

“His jockey, Oisin Murphy, walked in and was fine. Nordic Norm was taken to the stables for further assessment with cuts and scratches. His jockey, Sam James, was conscious and treated by medical teams on the track and has been transferred to hospital for further assessment.”

A stewards report said: “The Stewards wished to hold an enquiry into possible interference approaching the 1 furlong marker involving the winner, Forty Years On, ridden by Callum Shepherd; Nordic Norm, which later was brought down, ridden by Sam James; and Tactical Plan, unplaced, ridden by Jim Crowley, but were unable to do so as James was receiving medical attention. The enquiry was adjourned to a date to be confirmed.”

It went on: “The Stewards wished to hold an enquiry into the fall of Excellent Echo, approximately 1 furlong from the line after the gelding appeared to clip the heels of Dannick, placed second, but were unable to do so as Murphy was still undergoing medical assessment. The enquiry was adjourned to a date to be confirmed.