Star jockey crashes to the turf
SUPERSTAR jockey Joao Moreira escaped serious injury but was forced to miss his Melbourne Cup ride after a heavy fall at Flemington yesterday.
On racing’s greatest stage, the “Magic Man” falling from Regal Monarch brought home the dangers of the game, involving one of its biggest names.
The Hong Kong-based hoop was believed to be left with a corked thigh and stood down for the remainder of the meeting — including his ride on Thomas Hobson in the Melbourne Cup — as he battled with pain that had required painkillers in the immediate aftermath.
He was attended by ambulance officers on the track before walking unassisted to the ambulance.
“I’m fine,” he said as he returned to the jockey’s room.
The horse — described as “not well” by trainer Chris Wal- ler after the race — was taken to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic in Werribee for assessment.
Racing Victoria general manager of vet services Grace Forbes said the horse had been walked on to the float, with a further update on the horse’s condition expected today.
There was no blame to any jockey for causing the fall, with stewards taking no action.
Soon after, Ben Allen, 18, was named to ride Thomas Hobson in the Melbourne Cup — finishing sixth — and Noel Callow on Counterplay in Race 6.
“It is more like something that happens in jumps racing,” Thomas Hobson trainer Willie Mullins said of the fall.
“Everyone has been a great help to me (in finding Allen).
“It is all a bit surreal. You are outside our comfort zone. I have a good few Australian connections. And everyone came up with the same name. So I was happy enough.”