A veteran jockey who had both his legs amputated following a terrible accident at his stables has died a month after the incident. Shane McGovern, 67, was riding trackwork when his horse, Reformist, reportedly collapsed and died, trapping him underneath.
Accident Details
McGovern's wife, Kim, discovered him after six hours and he was swiftly taken to hospital from his base in Charters Towers, North Queensland, Australia. The incident on April 8 cut off the blood supply to the rider's legs, and doctors found he had also dislocated his shoulder and broken several ribs. In a devastating update, the Australian Jockeys Association revealed McGovern had both his legs amputated.
Community Support
Reformist, a nine-year-old horse, was reported to have collapsed after suffering an aneurysm during routine exercise. A GoFundMe established for McGovern had raised nearly £43,000 to help towards the costs of his rehabilitation. However, on Thursday, the Australian Jockeys Association announced that McGovern had been transferred to the palliative care unit due to ongoing issues. He had his family by his side as he continued with this horrendous battle.
Tragic Outcome
On Saturday, the AJA released the tragic news that McGovern had passed away. “We are devastated to announce that after a hard fought battle, QLD jockey Shane McGovern passed away this morning. Our hearts go out to family and friends and may Shane now rest in peace,” the post said. Jockeys riding at meetings around Queensland wore black armbands to honour McGovern, who rode more than 300 winners in his career.
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said: “First and foremost, our sincerest condolences are extended to Kim and the McGovern family. On behalf of Racing Queensland and the Board, our thoughts are with them at this tragic time. Shane was a natural horseman, dedicating his entire life to the thoroughbred industry, and has been an invaluable supporter of racing in the north and north west of the state. He was universally loved and admired amongst those who had the pleasure of knowing Shane, and his unwavering commitment to the industry – particularly in the regional areas of the state – was integral over a number of years.”
