Jockeys ‘critical’ after heavy fall at Darwin Turf Club track

Three jockeys are in hospital and a horse has died after a heavy fall at the Darwin Turf Club track on Saturday afternoon.

Three jockeys are in hospital and a horse has died after a heavy fall at the Darwin Turf Club track this afternoon. Picture: Supplied

Three jockeys are in hospital and a horse has died after a heavy fall at the Darwin Turf Club track this afternoon.

The fall occurred about 5pm on the bend in front of the Silks social venue in the Darwin Horse Floats Maiden Plate.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said two of the jockeys had been taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition.

The jockeys involved are Brendan Sweeney, Kim Gladwin and Jarrod Todd.

One jockey has suffered abdominal, chest and possible spinal injuries.

The second jockey has suffered pelvic and chest injuries.

A third jockey has sustained a fractured hand.

It is understood Sweeney underwent emergency surgery after he arrived at hospital.

Jockey Brendan Sweeney.

The last race of the day — the TAB Roant Gold Cup — was abandoned while ambulance officers were on the fallen jockeys.

Sweeney was riding the Phil Cole-trained The Unknown, Gladwin was on the Merv Rumble-trained Ogrim and Todd was on the Shane Bottomley-trained Ranceski.

Thoroughbred Racing NT boss Andrew O’Toole said the fall at the top of the straight was another unfortunate racing incident where it appeared one horse had clipped the heels of one in front of it.

“Kim Gladwin and Jarrod Todd were conscious when conveyed to hospital and Brendan Sweeney in and out of consciousness so they took him first,’’ O’Toole said.

“We called the last race off because we were unable to get an ambulance on track with two already in use.

“Fingers and toes crossed the boys are OK and obviously we’ll know more in the next 12 hours.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those injured, and also the trainers, strappers and staff of the stables who care for and love the horses.

“These incidents are rare, and TRNT work tirelessly to ensure this is a safe workplace for animals and people.”

Leading trainer Gary Clarke said: “I didn’t see it but Kim’s in quite a bit of pain which looks like ribs across his back. He’s complaining a fair bit which I suppose is a good thing.”

Jockey Melanie Tyndall died after falling from a horse in almost the same part of the course in 2019.

Jockey Simone Montgomerie was killed in a race fall in the home straight on Darwin Cup day in 2013.