Jockey's 'very lucky' escape after landing on his head when thrown backwards by horse

A jockey has admitted to having a ‘very lucky’ escape from a scary incident at the races. Experienced rider Micheal Hellyer, 37, who is based in Queensland, Australia, has ridden more than 800 winners in a 20 year career.

He had rides at the evening meeting in Toowoomba on Saturday but was unable to take part after he was injured in the parade ring. Hellyer was due to ride Southoftheborder in a maiden race, the seventh race on the card. In a video shared on social media taken by the parade ring Hellyer is seen being given a leg up onto the horse.

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However as he gets into the saddle, Southoftheborder threw his head back, striking Hellyer in the face and then reared up, throwing the jockey backwards off him. Hellyer somersaults back to fall head first onto the parade ring walkway.

The race was delayed by half an hour while paramedics attended to Hellyer who was knocked out.

The stewards report said: “The start of the event was delayed approximately 28minutes when Southoftheborder reared slightly in the mounting yard striking Jockey M Hellyer, whilst mounted, in the head rendering him unconscious.

“Jockey Hellyer was tendered to by QAS officers and assessed with mind to the QRIC Concussion Policy and subsequently stood down from all riding for a period of 12 days.

“Jockey Hellyer was transported to Hospital for further assessment and monitoring at the conclusion of the meeting and was advised he would be required to obtain a medical certificate clearing him of concussion and concussion symptoms and compete a cognitive assessment prior to resuming riding and after the completion of the 12 day stand-down.

“Southoftheborder was subsequently declared a late scratching at 9:12pm with Stewards ordering all monies invested on the gelding be refunded and the following deductions apply to all successful wagers placed prior to 9:12pm.”

Racing fans expressed their concern for Hellyer on social media before the jockey provided an update.

“Thank you to everyone that reached out, very lucky to have come away with just a busted lip and concussion, look forward to being back in the saddle in a couple of weeks,” said Hellyer.

One respondent said: “Smacked in the head by a huge horse head, then catapulted backwards, you were bloody lucky lad! Well done for your resilience. Best wishes for a speedy recuperation x.”