A jockey has confessed to having a ‘very lucky’ escape from a terrifying incident at the races. Seasoned rider Micheal Hellyer, 37, who operates from Queensland, Australia, has notched up more than 800 victories during a 20-year career. He was scheduled to compete at Saturday’s evening fixture in Toowoomba but couldn’t participate after sustaining injuries in the parade ring.
Hellyer was set to partner Southoftheborder in a maiden contest, the seventh event on the programme. In footage circulated on social media captured from the parade ring, Hellyer can be seen receiving a leg-up onto his mount. But as he settled into the saddle, Southoftheborder jerked his head backwards, catching Hellyer in the face before rearing up and catapulting the jockey off his back.
Hellyer performed a backwards somersault before crashing head-first onto the parade ring pathway. The contest was postponed by half an hour whilst paramedics treated Hellyer, who had been rendered unconscious.
The stewards’ report stated: “The start of the event was delayed approximately 28minutes when Southoftheborder reared slightly in the mounting yard striking Jockey M Hellyer, whilst mounted, in the head rendering him unconscious.
“Jockey Hellyer was tendered to by QAS officers and assessed with mind to the QRIC Concussion Policy and subsequently stood down from all riding for a period of 12 days.
“Jockey Hellyer was transported to Hospital for further assessment and monitoring at the conclusion of the meeting and was advised he would be required to obtain a medical certificate clearing him of concussion and concussion symptoms and compete a cognitive assessment prior to resuming riding and after the completion of the 12 day stand-down.
“Southoftheborder was subsequently declared a late scratching at 9.12pm with Stewards ordering all monies invested on the gelding be refunded and the following deductions apply to all successful wagers placed prior to 9.12pm.”
Racing enthusiasts voiced their worry for Hellyer across social media platforms before the rider offered an update.
“Thank you to everyone that reached out, very lucky to have come away with just a busted lip and concussion, look forward to being back in the saddle in a couple of weeks,” said Hellyer.
One follower commented: “Smacked in the head by a huge horse head, then catapulted backwards, you were bloody lucky lad! Well done for your resilience. Best wishes for a speedy recuperation x.”
