Jockey CK Khaw has died a week after suffering a serious fall during a race at Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia. The 32-year-old, who had ridden 218 winners in Malaysia, including 15 during the current season, succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident.
Fatal fall during race
Khaw recorded his latest winner on August 9 on the former Hugo Palmer-trained 11-year-old Ironclad, now trained by British ex-pat trainer Richard Lines. However, five races later he took a heavy fall when Team Work, another horse trained by Lines, fell.
Team Work had duelled for the lead with eventual winner Mega Velocity, but halfway up the straight he suddenly swerved out and then veered back towards the running rail. The commentator said: “Team Work has gone amiss here at about the 250 metres mark and unfortunately came to grief there with CK Khaw aboard.
“The horse is back on its feet. It’s jogging around the place, but just went very awkwardly, wanted to duck out, wanted to duck in, went through the rail and is now jogging past the winning post without the rider.
“Ambulance staff are attending to CK Khaw who is still lying on the track at this stage, though the horse eventually got up. It was okay. The concern at the moment is for jockey CK Khaw.”
Stewards' inquiry and tributes
A stewards inquiry report said: “In the straight Team Work which raced greenly in the running ducked in sharply which resulted in jockey CK Khaw being dislodged, the horse breaking through the rail, subsequently falling and galloping riderless on the track. Jockey CK Khaw was taken to hospital for further examination.”
Khaw had been in a coma since the accident, but on Monday the Turf Club shared the news that he had passed away. A statement said: “The Malaysian racing fraternity is mourning the loss of Jockey CK Khaw, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a race fall at Selangor Turf Club a week ago.
“The 32-year-old rider from Penang etched his name in the history books last year when he won the Penang Turf Club Farewell Trophy on Super Salute in record time, 1.13.9 during the Club’s final race meeting at the Batu Gantong Racecourse. He had also tasted success earlier, capturing the prestigious Perak Turf Club Coronation Cup astride Sacred Empire in 2019.
“Khaw began his riding career as an apprentice at the age of 19 and went on to ride professionally for 13 years, recording an impressive 218 victories. The Selangor Turf Club extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Chairman of Selangor Turf Club, Tan Sri Datuk Sir Richard Cham Hak Lim said: “With profound sadness, the Selangor Turf Club mourns the passing of CK Khaw. Malaysian racing has lost a passionate soul. Though he has left us far too soon, his spirit and love for racing will forever remain in our hearts.”
