Jockey Jack Dace is recovering in hospital after a horrific fall at Brighton on Sunday, with his family reporting he appears to have escaped serious injury despite the dramatic incident that tragically claimed the life of his mount.
The 5lb claiming apprentice was knocked unconscious when his horse, the Amanda Perrett-trained Virtue Chastity, clipped heels approximately four furlongs from the finish line during a 10-furlong handicap race.
The three-year-old filly suffered fatal injuries, and the incident also brought down Gretna Dreams and jockey Ashley Lewis.
While Dace, who has ridden 14 winners this season, continues to be monitored by specialists, his father Luke provided an encouraging update.
“They are still doing tests and he has some fluid on his lungs but I don’t think there is anything major wrong,” Mr Dace told the Press Association.
He added: “Obviously he was knocked unconscious so he is feeling very tired and headachy but there are no major breaks.”
Reassuringly, scans of his head have shown no issues. “They have scanned his head and everything looks okay. The most important thing is he is breathing and although, like I say there is some fluid in his lungs, he is able to move his legs and can stand up,” his father confirmed.
Despite the relief, Mr Dace acknowledged the family’s initial terror watching the race live.
“My wife saw it happen on the telly and she didn’t take it too well to be honest,” he said, as he reflected on the inherent risks of the sport.
“But this is the game we are in and it is not an easy game. We see these things happen from time to time.”
Fortunately, jockey Ashley Lewis walked away from the fall unscathed, and trainer Stuart Williams confirmed his filly, Gretna Dreams, also escaped injury.
