Tragedy struck Brighton Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (June 21) when a horrific collision during the 3.56pm Flat race left horse Virtue Chastity dead from a fractured shoulder and jockey Jack Dace in hospital. The incident, described as a 'nasty' clip of heels, unfolded as the runners thundered down the hill, leaving racegoers in shock.
Collision Details and Immediate Aftermath
Jockeys Ashley Lewis, riding Gretna Dreams, and Jack Dace, on Virtue Chastity, were thrown to the ground after the horse in front of them clipped heels. Lewis recalled the terrifying moment: 'The horse in front of me came down and by the time I realised it had come down and tried to move out, I was already on top of it.' Miraculously, Lewis escaped serious injury and confirmed he felt 'fine,' while his horse was also unharmed.
Dace bore the brunt of the impact. Sky Sports Racing presenter Matt Chapman provided an update: 'We've had a really horrible incident with two horses coming down the hill in our last race. We know that Ashley Lewis is okay, his horse is okay at the moment. Jack Dace is conscious, he's breathing, which is obviously the best news. All his limbs are working, and he's been sent to the local hospital, just for a check-up as much as anything.'
Tragic Loss of Virtue Chastity
Veterinary teams were unable to save Dace's mount, Virtue Chastity. Brighton's clerk of the course Jack Hastings confirmed: 'We did sadly lose Virtue Chastity, who sustained a fractured shoulder. We had to wait a little while, as we didn't know if she was winded. From the footage, it appears to have happened because of clipped heels. Gretna Dreams is back in the stables. She was okay, but she will be assessed by the vets.'
Social Media Reaction and Race Suspension
Stunned racing fans took to social media to express their shock. One witness claimed they had 'never seen a horse flip like that on the flat.' Another worried punter posted on X: 'Just saw the replay of the incident that happened at Brighton in the 3:56, looked a very nasty clip of heels and the aftermath that unfolded was not pretty in the slightest!' Popular account Paddock Preview shared their concern: 'Horrible incident at Brighton as two horses and jockeys come down during a Flat race. Thoughts with all concerned and fingers crossed for a good outcome.' Officials halted proceedings, delaying racing while emergency services cleared the track.
