Two leading jockeys escaped serious injury in a high-speed fall at Newcastle on Monday, as the first day of British racing since mid-March was marred by a fatal injury to a horse. The incident occurred in the mile-and-a-half race when December Second, ridden by PJ McDonald, clipped the heels of another runner and crashed out, bringing down Financial Conduct, the mount of Jim Crowley.
Both jockeys were taken to the weighing room in separate vehicles to comply with physical distancing rules. Crowley missed subsequent rides but is expected to be fit for Kempton on Tuesday, while McDonald rode in the last race. December Second, attended by veterinary staff on the track, sustained a serious injury and was put down.
A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said: 'We are all deeply saddened about the loss of December Second... Equine welfare has been an important consideration in our planning to return, but it is impossible to remove risk altogether.' On average, a horse falls once in every 1,000 runners in Flat races.
The remainder of the card passed without serious incident, though two horses were withdrawn after refusing to enter the stalls and another was declared a non-runner. The BHA had asked trainers to school inexperienced horses thoroughly before the resumption, as only two handlers are currently allowed per horse.
Jockeys faced new protocols including face masks during races, no showers, and no saunas. Andrea Atzeni said after his win: 'It's not easy with the weather being warm and having a mask on, but we've got to get used to it.' Jimmy Sullivan, who rode the first winner, added: 'I'm blowing a bit... it's manageable.' Jockeys are also expected to bring their own food and fluids.
