In a heart-stopping moment that silenced the Flemington crowd, champion jockey Blake Shinn experienced a terrifying fall during Tuesday's prestigious Melbourne Cup, walking away from the incident while his horse, Absurde, tragically succumbed to injuries.
Dramatic Incident Halts Racing Spectacle
The racing world held its breath as Shinn, riding the Willie Mullins-trained Absurde, was thrown from his mount during the final stretch of Australia's most famous horse race. The seven-year-old gelding suffered a catastrophic leg injury while running at approximately 50km/h, leading to the devastating fall that saw both horse and jockey hit the turf.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene immediately, with Shinn managing to walk away from the accident while visibly shaken. The jockey was subsequently transported to hospital for thorough medical assessment as a precautionary measure.
Heartbreaking Outcome for Beloved Runner
In a tragic turn of events, track veterinarians made the difficult decision to euthanise Absurde after determining the extent of his injuries was too severe for recovery. The Willie Mullins-trained runner had shown promising form leading into the race, having previously secured victory in the Ebor Handicap at York.
"It's absolutely devastating for everyone connected with the horse," a racing insider revealed. "Absurde was much loved by his stable and had become a favourite among racing enthusiasts."
Racing Community Rallies Behind Shinn
Fellow jockeys and racing professionals quickly expressed their support for Shinn across social media platforms, praising his professionalism and expressing relief that he escaped serious injury. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by jockeys in the sport of kings.
This marks another challenging chapter in Shinn's Melbourne Cup history, having previously experienced disappointment when his 2008 winning ride, Viewed, was relegated to second place following a protest.
The racing community now awaits updates on Shinn's condition while mourning the loss of a talented competitor, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that defines this celebrated yet unpredictable sport.
