Former Aidan O'Brien horse dies and two jockeys hospitalised after horror fall

01 September 2023 , 10:07

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The Mediterranean: suffered a fatal injury racing in Australia (Image: PA)

A former Aidan O’Brien-trained horse had to be put down after suffering a fatal injury in the middle of a big race in Australia on Friday.

The Mediterranean, a son of super sire Galileo, ran nine times for O’Brien and produced his best performance when finishing third in the 2021 St Leger. He was sold for 100,000gns at the end of that year to Australian owners Domeland whose private trainer Sara Ryan took charge of the five-year-old.

After a long layoff, The Mediterranean was having only his fourth start in the £120,000 Wyong Cup at Wyong in New South Wales when he broke his near fore leg around the 700m pole.

A number of horses were hampered as he fell and three jockeys, including The Mediterranean’s rider Regan Bayliss, came off their mounts.

A stewards inquiry report said: “After taking initial evidence from the trainer of The Mediterranean, Ms S Ryan, the inquiry was adjourned to allow Ms Ryan to provide treatment and veterinary records, and for the results of an autopsy.

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“A post-race veterinary examination revealed a catastrophic injury to the gelding’s near-foreleg and was subsequently euthanised.”

Bayliss was conscious but had pain in his leg and was transported to hospital for further examination, as was Tim Clark, who was riding the favourite Kalapour, and suffered back pain. Brett Prebble, who came off Pretty Amazing, appeared to escape any injuries.

Australia’s leading jockey James McDonald was also taken to hospital with pain in his leg and shoulder after being dislodged in an earlier race on the same card.

Jon Lees