Top jockeys Jye McNeil and Mark Zahra have been cleared of serious injury after falling in a dramatic finish at the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.
McNeil’s mount Ohope Wins was euthanised while Zahra’s Half Yours survived the fall and only suffered cuts.
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockeys both walked away from the fall but were taken to hospital. Zahra was discharged late on Saturday night.
“Thanks everyone for the calls and messages. I’m OK and home,” Zahra wrote.
“No serious damage. Very stiff and sore, but nothing a cold glass of champagne can’t fix.”
McNeil, expected to be discharged on Sunday, was accompanied by former Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga, who issued an update and statement late on Saturday night.
“Following the unfortunate fall at Caulfield today, I am with Jye at the hospital and he has asked me to communicate on his behalf,” Kanga wrote.
“Jye and his family sincerely appreciate everyone’s concern for his welfare. He was transported to hospital by Ambulance Victoria and is in great care.
“He is understandably a little shaken, but at this stage there are no apparent broken bones.
“Jye is extremely grateful for the immediate care and support provided by the Racing Victoria doctors and first-aid team, together with the Melbourne Racing Club team.
“He also greatly appreciates the care and support of the Victorian Jockey Association and CEO Matthew Hyland, who has been there supporting Jye, Jess and the family throughout.
“Jye has sent his sincere condolences to Mr Zhang, Yulong and the team at Chris Waller Racing following the very sad loss of Ohope Wins.
“His thoughts are with everyone who loved and cared for her. Thank you again to everyone who has reached out and shown their concern, he will be back in the saddle very soon.”
On Sunday morning, Kanga celebrated the “great news” that Zahra had been discharged while adding McNeil had been cleared of injury.
“Jye remains at Alfred Health, stiff and sore but in good spirits and thankfully having escaped any serious injury,” Kanga wrote.
“All going well, he should be discharged later this morning.
“The boys were treated just metres apart. The doctors, nurses and staff at the Alfred have been outstanding. We are incredibly grateful for their care and compassion.
“Our racing community is something special. The outpouring of love, care and support for both families has been overwhelming. A special thank you to Jamie Spencer, Dean Hawkes, Elyse and Jess for everything you’ve done.
“We are all incredibly thankful both boys are okay. Our thoughts also remain with everyone connected to the beautiful Ohope Wins.
“Congratulations to Gavin Bedggood and his team on a magnificent training performance, winning the historic 150th Caulfield Cup with Kingswood. Horses are our heroes, but the people in racing and healthcare are pretty special too.”
Ohope Wins, who was trained by Chris Waller, won two-time Group 1 races among four victories from 11 starts.
“Few words can express our current emotions. Our wonderful Ohope Wins was sadly brought down in today’s Caulfield Cup, and despite all efforts from the on-course veterinarians, could not be saved,” Yulong and Chris Waller Racing said in a statement.
“A dual Oaks winner and Champion in her native New Zealand, Ohope Wins was a true star of the turf, but to the people who looked after her everyday, she was so much more.
“She was brave. She was kind. She was full of character. But more importantly, she was loved.
“Our hearts go out to all involved throughout her career, especially those who cared for her on a daily basis.”
Half Yours co-trainer Tony McEvoy said the incident was “terrible to watch”.
“The horse, he’s got a couple of lacerations. He seems bright, he seems composed in himself,” McEvoy said in a short statement posted on X.
“He’s got a laceration under his arm, he’s got a laceration on a hind leg.
“They look superficial. He’s just with the vets now but he came back to scale.”