Jockey Vishan Venkaya released from hospital after major fall, pays tribute to euthanised horse

Queensland jockey Vishan Venkaya has been released from hospital after being thrown from his horse at the Sunshine Coast racetrack.

The jockey who was at the centre of a dramatic fall during a Sunshine Coast race has paid tribute to the horse he says saved his life.

Vishan Venkaya has been released from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital after being thrown from his horse Spiritual on Monday, December 27.

On-course paramedics rushed Venkaya, 48, to hospital in a serious condition with what was believed to be a broken leg and fractured rib.

Spiritual suffered a broken shoulder and was put down.

Venkaya took to social media to honour the Des Trindall-trained horse.

“RIP to froggy Spiritual,” he wrote. “God bless you in heaven, thanks for saving my life in the race, miss you my boy.”

Queensland-based jockey Vishan Venkaya has been released from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital after being thrown from his horse on December 27. Picture: Racing Queensland

The incident happened in the last 100m of the BR Solicitors Maiden Plate over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club.

In the same race shortly after the start fellow horse Game Star bucked and collided with the outside fence before dislodging jockey Melea Castle.

The jockey was uninjured but stood down from further rides.

Game Star suffered cuts to its front leg and bleeding from both nostrils and was treated by an on-course vet.

Venkaya has described the moment he hit the ground and thanked everyone involved.

“I must say a big thanks to all the people were here next to me after my fall,” he said.

“When I was on the ground I can hear ambulance people, the jockeys, trainers, steward racing people who were there for their support, thank you.”

He said on January 1 he was able to stand up and walk again.

“I’m feeling much better today,” he said. “Can stand up and walk, thank God in Jesus’ name, amen.”

The Queensland Racing integrity commission confirmed the horse was humanely euthanised.

The commissioner Shane Gillard said an investigation into the incident was underway.

Mr Gillard said a thorough inquiry would be held into the circumstances of the race.

The incident comes after Venkaya was injured in a fall on the Gold Coast in 2018.