URINE tests on a horse that died unexpectedly in a horror Tamworth race fall show it suffered an internal hemorrhage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Son of A Dun collapsed causing a domino-effect with four other riders knocked from their saddles in Race 2 at the Country Championships qualifier meet on March 10.
A full inquiry into the incident hinges on the recovery of the riders, Hunter and North West Racing Association steward chairman Shane Cullen said.
"I don't want this hanging around, we want a conclusion as soon as possible, as does the industry," he said.
"At this early stage the preliminary findings show Son of A Dun suffered an internal hemorrhage and fell, the horses following were unable to stop and other riders fell as a consequence.
"Tests taken from Son of A Dun on the day returned negative to any substances, in the entire three months prior there was nothing outside normal husbandry parameters and veterinary accounts from the stable in the proceeding three months show no purchases from any vet to give any kind of concerns."
A second horse was euthanised at the scene after it suffered a broken shoulder in the fall.
An official inquiry will commence when all the riders injured have recovered, evidence will be taken to see if it correlates with official footage from the race.
Son of A Dun's jockey Greg Ryan was back in the saddle riding in Muswellbrook on Friday. He was the first to hit the ground when his horse collapsed and caused a domino effect with four other riders, some who are still recovering from surgery.
Jockey Josh Adams suffered a broken femur and lower spinal fractures, he has since had an operation to fix his broken leg and is expected to be out for several weeks.
A nasty shoulder fracture suffered by Wendy Peel has been fixed with a plate and screws in a surgery that went "very well", but will not be riding for at least another three months.
Rachel King's broken clavicle has been fixed, she is expected to be in a sling for two weeks and possibly back on the horse in another six.
Kath Bell-Pitomac was discharged from Tamworth Hospital.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
