Jockey Callum Pritchard was hospitalized for X-rays following a concerning incident at Huntingdon races. Pritchard, riding the hurdler Limier d’Arthel owned by JP McManus, fell at the first flight during the race.
Limier d’Arthel, racing eagerly after a 648-day break, made a high jump and landed awkwardly, resulting in a loss of balance.
After the fall, the horse ran loose, trampling over Pritchard and causing his helmet to come off. Medical personnel provided immediate assistance, and the race continued after bypassing the obstacle, with no screens being erected around the fallen jockey.
The British Horseracing Authority was notified of the incident for review by their officials. Pritchard’s agent, Sam Stronge, confirmed that Pritchard underwent X-rays for a leg injury sustained when the horse stepped on him. Stronge mentioned that Pritchard remained hopeful and in good spirits.
The race was won by the favorite Double Measure, with a delay in the subsequent race to allow for further evaluation of Pritchard’s condition off the track.
Former jockey Daryl Jacob, present at Huntingdon as a pundit, described the incident as severe and praised the resilience of jockeys. He expressed well wishes for Pritchard’s speedy recovery.
The BHA stewards investigated the failure to deploy screens around the fallen jockey and forwarded a report to the BHA headquarters for further review.
This incident occurred shortly after Pritchard’s recent success with Imperial Saint at the Sky Bet Peter Marsh Chase in Haydock.