Three jockeys were hospitalised following a devastating incident at Happy Valley, Hong Kong that led to the death of a horse during Wednesday’s 5f race handicap. South African jockey Lyle Hewitson was aboard the 2-1 favourite Seasons Wit, trained by Jamie Richards, when disaster struck. The horse tumbled just 75 yards from the finish line as it attempted to mount a challenge.
The fall caused a chain reaction, with Eternal Fortune and Watch This One, ridden by Jerry Chau and Karis Teetan respectively, crashing into the fallen favourite and being brought down in the melee. Emergency medical teams were quick to respond, attending to the injured jockeys who were all taken to hospital for further checks.
A statement from the Hong Kong Jockey Club confirmed: “Lyle Hewitson and Jerry C L Chau are both conscious following the incident. Karis Teetan, who was also dislodged and is conscious, subsequently stood down from his remaining riding engagements.”
Tragically, the Club’s Veterinary Officer reported that Seasons Wit had sustained a fatal fracture to the left fore fetlock and could not be saved. Meanwhile, Eternal Fortune and Watch This One were transported to the equine hospital for thorough examination.
Later updates from the HKJC revealed that X-rays showed Hewitson had suffered “fractures of his wrist and suspected ankle, with no other identities injuries and he remains under observation”.
The scans showed no injuries to Chau, who also remained under observation. Teetan was undergoing precautionary imaging.
Mauritian jockey Teetan, one of Hong Kong’s leading riders, was called up to ride the world’s top sprinter Ka Ying Rising to a Group 1 victory in February when regular partner Zac Purton was out of action.
Teetan, who is set to compete in Ascot’s Shergar Cup in August, is currently sixth in the standings with 38 wins. Both Hewitson, with 28 victories, and Chau, with 21, had ridden winners earlier on the card.
