Khumalo, Domeyer injured

BOTH S’manga Khumalo and Aldo Domeyer ended up going to hospital on a very eventful day for jockeys at Kenilworth on Wednesday.

First casualty was Khumalo while riding Ibra in Race 2. The 28-10 second favourite was battling it out with market leader Mirage (22-10) in the closing stages when she seemed to falter and fell, pitching Khumalo onto the turf.

The Stipes Report reads as follows:

Approaching the 50m Ibra (S Khumalo) took an awkward incomplete stride for no apparent reason and both front legs folded underneath, which resulted in the filly falling and the rider was dislodged.

The unfortunate jockey was given lengthy treatment before being taken to hospital.

“Mr Khumalo had slurred speech, felt drowsy, a headache and neck pain. He also reported a thumb injury.

“He was sent to hospital for x-rays and further examination” said Kenilworth on-course medical officer Dr Godwin Carelse. Ibra was unhurt. Then in Race 6, Aldo Domeyer and After Glow came down 150m out when Adam Marcus’ filly lost her footing. Both hit the turf hard.

The stipes have opened an enquiry into this incident.

Eerily, Domeyer had virtually identical injuries to Khumalo, with head and neck issues, and a damaged little finger.

He was also taken to hospital by ambulance for further tests.

Once again the horse miraculously escaped relatively unscathed, as After Glow only suffered cuts and bruises.

Khumalo has been replaced on all of his rides at the Vaal today but at this stage there has been no further information as to whether Domeyer will be taking up any of his riding engagements over the weekend. He is scheduled to ride at Fairview tomorrow and Durbanville on Saturday.

In other jockey news, Gavin Lerena has three suspensions looming after having been found guilty of three offences at a series of Inquiries. He pleaded not guilty to all three but was found guilty and is set to face a total of 24 days in which he will be barred from riding. He does have the right to appeal but as he is around 20 wins behind the leading three jockeys – Muzi Yeni, Lyle Hewitson and Anton Marcus – in the race for this season’s title, these suspensions will probably put an end to his race for a second Champion Jockey’s crown. – PHUMELELA