A recent incident at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse showcased not just the thrill of horse racing but also the extraordinary compassion and bravery of jockey Jason Collett.
Over the weekend, Collett and his horse, Think About It, experienced a terrifying fall that left spectators and participants alike on edge.
The heroic actions of Collett following the accident have drawn widespread admiration.
Immediate Response
Collett, 33, wasted no time in rushing to the aid of Think About It, a six-year-old gelding who was in distress after the fall during the $2 million Sydney Stakes.
As Think About It collapsed on the racetrack, Collett’s first instinct was to ensure his horse’s safety and well-being.
Despite sustaining a shoulder injury himself, he prioritized comforting the animal in its vulnerable state.
A Jockey’s Concern
Reflecting on the moment, Collett described his immediate concern: “I turned to the horse and feared he had done something to his leg, so I went to hold him down.”
He understood that if a horse tries to get up while injured, it can worsen the situation.
Upon getting closer, he noticed blood pouring from Think About It’s nose, confirming his fears of a pulmonary hemorrhage.
“I didn’t think he had long left,” he admitted, emphasizing the grave nature of the incident.
A Miraculous Recovery
After a tense few moments, Think About It managed to rise and walk back to his stable, where a veterinarian assessed his condition.
Trainer Joseph Pride made the quick decision to retire the horse from racing.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the prognosis for Think About It is positive, with the horse expected to make a full recovery.
Understanding the Signs
Collett had sensed something was wrong even before the fall.
As they approached a bend in the race, he noticed a loss of power in Think About It.
“I tried to pull him up, initially thinking he may have done something to his leg,” he recalled.
His instinctive encouragement, “Stay up, buddy, just stay up,” echoed the urgency of the moment, highlighting the bond between horse and rider.
Praise for Jason Collett
The outpouring of support for Collett extends beyond the racing community.
Veteran trainer Pride praised his quick thinking and instinctual response, stating, “It’s all instinctual stuff when you get pelted off like that.
Jason has been around horses all his life; he wanted to comfort him.”
The quick actions of Collett not only helped stabilize Think About It but also demonstrated the profound respect jockeys have for their horses.
A Shared Relief
New South Wales chief steward Steve Railton also acknowledged Collett’s bravery, noting, “The prognosis didn’t look good from the time Think About It hit the ground, but Jason’s presence of mind to race around and get to the horse’s head was pretty noteworthy.”
The emotional rollercoaster experienced by both Collett and Pride culminated in relief when they witnessed Think About It getting back on his feet, marking a significant moment in an otherwise traumatic day.
What’s Next?
As the racing world processes this event, the focus remains on the recovery of Think About It and the ongoing support for the bond between jockeys and their horses.
Stay tuned for further updates on the situation and the well-being of both horse and rider.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!
Telegram Airdrops: Crypto Giveaway
Join CryptoFiat Giveaway for free USDT giveaways and other opportunities!