Amateur jockey Ben Sutton is said to be 'conscious and moving' after suffering a horror fall in which horse Kepy Blanc was sadly put down, whilst the race they were involved in was voided.
Sutton was competing aboard Kepy Blanc on Tuesday at Bangor racecourse for trainer Phillip Hobbs. During the two-mile handicap chase, the seven-year-old awkwardly fell at the third jump. Worryingly jockey Sutton was left motionless, as the medical and track team raced over to offer their assistance.
A yellow flag was then deployed, signalling the rest of the field to pull their horses up with the race then being voided.
After initially being knocked out by the fall, the 22-year-old regained consciousness before being taken to Wrexham Hospital by ambulance for further treatment. Sutton was accompanied to hospital by fellow jockey Stan Sheppard.
Later that evening Sheppard shared a photo of the fallen jockey smiling in his hospital bed along with the caption: "Good spirits here in Wrexham hospital with Big Ben Sutton. Finger and toes wiggling."
Trainer Hobbs also passed his wishes onto the jockey, writing on Twitter : "Great news Ben is ok. We are hoping you have a speedy & good recovery Ben and wish you well."
A number of horse racing fans took to social media to also send their regards to Sutton after witnessing the fall earlier in the day. One fan - @FatPunter - wrote: "I was watching on telly before going to Newcastle races, it looked horrendous.
"[Commentator] @HuntyCaller did a superb job during the race and during the immediate aftermath. Heartening to see Ben doing ok." @CollingsBerry also wrote: "Fantastic to see. Swift recovery, Ben," whilst @under_orders added: "Wonderful news! All the very best for a speedy recovery."
Sadly for the jockey, trainer and the connections Kepy Blanc was put down following the race. A statement by clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch read: "Ben Sutton was transferred to Wrexham Hospital with one of our doctors where he will receive further assessment. He was conscious when he was picked up and transferred to the ambulance. Sadly, the horse was euthanised."
