Jockey Lee Horner suffers brain bruise in fall in The Good Fight’s Grand National Steeplechase victory at Ballarat

Jockey Lee Horner has been admitted to the intensive care unit at Royal Melbourne Hospital for treatment on a brain bruise suffered in a fall in Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat.

Jumps jockey Lee Horner sustained a brain bruise in a fall during the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on Sunday. Picture: File / Reg Ryan / Racing Photos

Jockey Lee Horner has been admitted to the intensive care unit at Royal Melbourne Hospital for treatment on a brain bruise suffered in a fall in Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat.

Horner was dislodged from $41 outsider Sky Hero in a three-horse fall in the back straight.

Horner, a three-time National winner, had nowhere to go as Sky Hero stumbled over Mighty Oasis and Bell Ex One.

Horner was initially taken to Ballarat Base Hospital before being transported to the Royal Melbourne. The Victorian Jockeys’ Association said it would provide further updates today.

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Will Gordon, rider of Bell Ex One, was also taken to Ballarat hospital in a stable condition with a suspected shoulder injury. Chris McCarthy, aboard Mighty Oasis, escaped without any injury.

Unfortunately Mighty Oasis sustained a serious injury in the fall and had to be humanely euthanised.

The Good Fight wins an epic edition of the Grand National Steeplechase 🏆

In a battle of stamina, the 10YO son of High Chaparral came out on top. pic.twitter.com/IziGoYPOfY

— Racing.com (@Racing) August 25, 2024

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The incidents marred the marathon race ultimately won by The Good Fight for trainer Rachael Cunningham and jockey Darryl Horner Jnr.

Favourite Stern Idol ($2.20), ridden confidently on speed by Steven Pateman, dictated the first 3500m before the distance and his 73kg impost took their toll over the concluding stages.

The Good Fight ($9.50), who beat Leaderboard ($10) and Rockstar Ronnie ($10) as 25 lengths separated first, second and third respectively, gave Cunningham her second National after she captured the 2020 edition with Bee Tee Junior.

Originally published as Jockey Lee Horner suffers brain bruise in fall in The Good Fight’s Grand National Steeplechase victory at Ballarat