Jockey Injured in Heavy Fall at Wincanton
Amateur jockey Louis Burke was seriously injured after falling heavily from the horse Danzini during a race at Wincanton on Thursday. The incident prompted a significant emergency response, including the dispatch of an air ambulance to the track.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
The fall occurred at the seventh jump of ten in the Molson Coors "Hands And Heels" Handicap Hurdle, the opening race of the day. The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust confirmed they were called at 12:34 on Thursday 20 November.
They sent one double-crewed land ambulance and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to the scene. Despite the air ambulance's attendance, Burke was ultimately transported by road to Yeovil District Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Father's Update on Condition
Hours after the incident, Louis's father, Keiran Burke, who is a former jockey and trainer, provided an update via social media. He thanked everyone for their concern and shared that while his son is bruised and has fractured several vertebrae, the doctors are confident he will recover.
"He’s still in hospital at the moment, but the doctors are confident he’ll be okay with rest and recovery," Keiran Burke posted. This news brought relief to many in the racing community who had been concerned for the young amateur rider, who has had only a handful of rides on the National Hunt circuit.
Race Meeting Disruption and Aftermath
The serious nature of the fall caused substantial disruption to the day's racing schedule. The following contest, a mares' maiden hurdle, was delayed by 49 minutes while medical crews attended to Louis Burke.
The race from which Burke fell, a 2m 4f handicap hurdle, was eventually won by jockey Rian Corcoran aboard Our Dylan, a 16-1 chance, who fended off Watchoutitscookie by half-a-length.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance detailed that their team consisted of a doctor and a specialist practitioner in critical care, both specialists in pre-hospital emergency medicine, highlighting the level of medical care provided at the scene.
