Racehorse killed and jockeys injured during race in Canada

H&H news team

19 June, 2009

A racehorse has been killed and two jockeys injured in an accident at a racecourse in Canada.

The accident occurred during the third race at Woodbine racetrack in Toronto on Wednesday night (17 June).

Racehorse Oliver's Strike collapsed less than a kilometre away from the finish line. Vets now believe he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Jockey Chad Beckon was thrown during the fall and rolled on by the horse.

Kensington Oval, ridden by Simon Husbands, then tripped over Oliver's Strike.

Both jockeys were taken to Etobicoke General Hospital.

Mr Husbands has now been released with a sprained wrist and injured shoulder, but Mr Beckon has been transferred to Sunnybrook Hospital and is under sedation after fracturing three vertebrae and breaking his nose and cheekbone.