A tragic incident occurred at Ascot on Friday during the Sodexo Live! Handicap race, resulting in a horse sustaining a fatal injury and a jockey being taken to the hospital. The accident unfolded as the race leaders were nearing the final furlong of the 7f race.
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy, riding Excellent Echo, fell during the race, while Nordic Norm, ridden by Sam James, also went down. Despite Murphy quickly getting back on his feet, Excellent Echo, who suffered a broken leg, continued to move up the track before being stopped by a handler near the finish line.
Privacy screens were placed around the injured three-year-old horse, and a horse ambulance and veterinary professionals were swiftly on the scene to provide care.
Sam James remained on the track for some time until medical assistance arrived. He was then taken to the hospital on a stretcher, while Oisin Murphy, although shaken, was able to walk away from the incident. Nordic Norm was examined for cuts and scratches but was conscious and taken to the stables for further evaluation.
In a statement, Ascot confirmed the unfortunate outcome for Excellent Echo and provided updates on the condition of the jockeys involved. The stewards also expressed their intention to investigate the incident for possible interference during the race, but the inquiry was postponed due to the medical attention required by the affected parties. Further inquiries related to the fall of Excellent Echo were also deferred pending medical assessments of the jockeys.
The racing community awaits the outcome of the postponed inquiries as the authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the distressing events at Ascot.