Veteran jockey Shane McGovern has had both of his legs amputated following a freak accident at his stables in Charters Towers, North Queensland. The 67-year-old was conducting trackwork when his mount, Reformist, reportedly collapsed and died, trapping him underneath for six hours.
Discovery and Injuries
McGovern's wife, Kim, discovered him after the prolonged entrapment. He was rushed to hospital where medics found that blood circulation to his legs had been cut off. Additionally, he suffered a dislocated shoulder and several broken ribs. The incident occurred on April 8.
Official Update
The Australian Jockeys Association posted on X: "A devastating update on QLD jockey Shane McGovern, unfortunately Shane has now had both his legs amputated. We are sending all our prayers and love to you Shane and your family. Keep fighting Shane."
Kevin Ring, the organisation's health and safety officer, told Racenet that McGovern remains in Townsville Hospital and may require further surgery. "He's in recovery at the moment and he had a good night afterwards apparently," Ring said. "He's sedated of course, but he's going to have to have other operations I would suggest. They can do amazing things these days, so as long as he's got some quality of life, that's the main thing. It's going to be a long slog with rehab."
Fundraising and Support
Reformist, a nine-year-old horse, reportedly suffered an aneurysm during routine exercise. Racing Queensland donated $50,000 (£26,000) to a GoFundMe campaign for McGovern, while the Queensland Jockeys' Association added $5,000 (£2,600). The total has reached nearly $77,000 (£41,000).
Contributors to the fundraising page were told: "At age 67, Shane has dedicated his entire working life to our industry and for it to be changed in this way through this accident is incredibly confronting for him and for his wife Kim. Shane will be facing a long time in hospital and will then need many months of rehabilitation. It is a total disruptor to a life that he and his wife Kim had built over decades around their horse training and riding lives."
McGovern has ridden more than 200 winners from 1,885 racecourse appearances throughout his career.
