Tamworth horse fall: Jockeys injured with spinal fractures and broken bones

Josh Adams has lower lumbar spine fractures "that appear stable" but may require transfer to Newcastle. He also suffered a femur fracture, that will need surgery, when he was thrown from his horse in race two at the Country Championships meeting.

Adams was one of five riders forced from their saddles after Son Of A Dun, ridden by Greg Ryan, collapsed as the result of a heart attack at the 900m mark.

Rider Wendy Peel walked back to the jockey room after Sunday's fall but was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered a nasty shoulder fracture that will require surgery.

Peel was being transferred to Sydney on Monday for treatment by specialist Dr David Duckworth.

The racing community has rallied around the jockeys, trainers and horse owners after the incident, Tamworth Jockey Club general manager Wade Berryman said.

"That level of support will continue going forward as the jockeys recover," he said.

"The mood at the races was subdued after that fall, everyone viewing it elsewhere was very concerned but the races continued and everyone enjoyed themselves the rest of the afternoon.

"Most people, particularly country people have been very respectful."

A bad collarbone fracture means Rachel King will also require surgery in Sydney during the week.

Two horses died as a result of the incident. Son Of A Dun collapsed after a suspected heart attack and another horse was euthanised due to injuries it sustained in the fall.

Luckily, Kath Bell-Pitomac and Greg Ryan both escaped the incident relatively unscathed. Ryan suffered a mild concussion and was discharged from hospital on Sunday night.

Bell-Pitomac will remain in hospital for a couple of days after she suffered a concussion and possible broken ribs.

Subscribe to The Leader to read more local news as it happens