Race-day fall investigated after jockey injured

Whanganui-based jockey Sarah Macnab is in Palmerston North Hospital with a serious head injury after a shocking fall at the Woodville Racecourse.

She was bruised and battered and had taken a ‘‘pretty bad’’ knock to the head on Friday, said New Zealand Thoroughbred tracks and facilities health and safety spokesman Tim Lambert.

Macnab was to have further tests to assess the head injury on Saturday.

She was likely to spend a few days in Palmerston North Hospital before being transferred to Whanganui.

Macnab fell 600 metres out from the finish line in the fourth race at the track about 2pm, and was flown to hospital by the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.

The horse had fallen, but it was not injured and followed the rest of the field to the end of the race.

An inquiry into the incident had been launched, but was adjourned until Macnab was well enough to talk to officials.

Stewards had inspected the track and found no problems that could have contributed, and racing was able to continue.

Lambert said the close-knit racing community would be concerned about Macnab’s condition.

‘‘The main concern is the head injury. She will need some time.’’

Woodville and Pahı¯atua Race Club secretary Paula Mccool described the fall as sudden and shocking.