Jockey Ben Melham has been ruled out of the Quokka, but cleared of structural injury after initial fears of a suspected leg fracture
Group 1 jockey Ben Melham has been cleared of structural damage after further scans at The Alfred on Thursday.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Group 1 jockey Ben Melham has been cleared of any structural damage but cannot fulfil the ride on Malkovich in the $5m The Quokka in Perth on Saturday.
Melham’s riding agent Mathew Alesci on Thursday confirmed scans at The Alfred revealed “torn thigh muscles”.
“At this point in time, Ben has torn thigh muscles,” Alesci said.
“Unfortunately, he won’t be fit for riding in Perth this Saturday.”
Melham was taken to The Alfred on Wednesday with a suspected upper left leg fracture after a fall at Caulfield Heath.
Fortunately for Melham, initial scans late Wednesday evening revealed “no obvious leg break”.
Update at 8.49pm re: Ben Melham. Doctors at Alfred Hospital have said there is NO OBVIOUS LEG BREAK after X-RAY. Ultrasound will be conducted in the morning to determine the extent of the damage. @m_felgate@RacingVictoria@brentzerafa@7horseracing@jamieleekah07
— Mathew Alesci (@Matty_Alesci) April 17, 2024
The 36-year-old became unbalanced and slid off the side of his mount, Heed The Omens, shortly after the start of race 7 as the Chris Waller-trained gelding was tightened for room.
Paramedics treated Melham immediately on course before he was taken to The Alfred hospital.
Alesci posted an update on X late on Wednesday.
“Doctors at Alfred Hospital have said there is NO OBVIOUS LEG BREAK after X-RAY. Ultrasound will be conducted in the morning to determine the extent of the damage,” Alesci posted.
Melham was set to ride Malkovich for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker in the $5m The Quokka in Perth on Saturday.
Originally published as Jockey Ben Melham has been ruled out of the Quokka, but cleared of structural injury after initial fears of a suspected leg fracture
Perfect four for Coffey ends ‘lean patch’
Harry Coffey had a perfect day in the saddle at Caulfield with four wins from as many rides to break a self-described lean run.
Striking colt grabs Attention for Guineas tilt
Public Attention announced himself as a Group 1 Randwick Guineas contender with an impressive return win in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick.