01 August 2023 , 15:50
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Top jockey Richard Mullen is in hospital in New York after suffering multiple injuries in a horrific fall riding for Godolphin.
Englishman Mullen, 47, was aboard the Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance , last year's Breeders' Cup Turf winner who was competing in a Group 2 contest at Saratoga.
The five-year-old gelding was sent off the 11-20 favourite for the $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes but came down when clipping the heels of the horse in front of him, sending Mullen hurtling to the ground.
Mullen, who was conscious and alert with movement in all extremities, was transported to Albany Medical Center for further evaluation where he remained a patient on Tuesday.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: “I am very sore with a broken collarbone, three broken vertebrae, a couple of broken ribs, a broken thumb and little bleeding on my lungs.
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“But apart from that I’m okay!”
He remembered the incident which occurred just over 2f out in the race. Rebel’s Romance, who was quickly caught by an outrider, was walked back to his stable.
“I was always conscious,” he said. “I must have caught a heel because it happened so quickly. It wasn’t anyone’s fault.
“I just had so much horse underneath me. It’s very unfortunate and frustrating for everyone in the team. Thankfully the horse is okay.
“They didn’t give me a timeframe. The good thing is they won’t have to operate. I got up this morning for a little walk.
“Luckily all my vital functions are working so I just need time and patience.”
Appleby reported that Rebel’s Romance was none the worse for the incident and would remain in the US to contest the Arlington Million at Colonial Downs a week on Saturday.
Mullen began his career in England before making Dubai his permanent base, establishing himself as one of the leading riders and winning the UAE jockeys championship twice.