Jockey Nick Scholfield leaves track in ambulance after nasty Cheltenham fall with racing delayed
JOCKEY Nick Scholfield left Cheltenham racecourse in an ambulance after a nasty fall at the last.
The top jockey, who came fourth in last Saturday’s Grand National on 33-1 shot Santini, came down in the 4.25 race aboard Last Royal.
Fortunately the horse was shown back on his feet and OK but Scholfield was said to have remained on the turf for some time.
Racecourse medics rushed to his side and it was reported on Racing TV the jockey was placed on a stretcher and into the back of ambulance.
On-course reporter Stewart Machin said: “Nick had a heavy fall from Last Royal.
“Nick was brought back to the medical centre here for further assessment but there have been no more updates.”
A lack of racecourse medics due to treating Scholfield meant the final race of the first meeting at the track since last month’s Festival was delayed.
It was scheduled to go off at 5pm but the 5.10 at Kempton went off first.
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This is the second meeting to be affected by an apparent jockey injury in just four days – a reminder of how dangerous the job is.
Racing at Wincanton was abandoned on Sunday after Major Charlie O’Shea suffered a nasty fall.
Two air ambulances were called to assist the jockey, who was placed in intensive care and put on a ventilator.
Fortunately he has made good progress since suffering breaking several ribs in the spill.
The Injured Jockeys Fund confirmed his conditions was improving and that surgery was now unlikely.
And it is hoped he will be able to leave intensive care at Bristol Southmead Hospital later this week.
The IJF statement read: “Major Charlie O’Shea is making good progress in Bristol Southmead Hospital where he has been treated for a flail chest sustained during his fall on Sunday.
“This was a serious injury which occurs when multiple ribs are fractured on both sides of the chest disrupting the bellows mechanism which allows us to breathe in and out.
“Charlie was put on a ventilator to support his breathing directly after the injury.
“It was initially thought he may need cardiothoracic surgery to repair his chest wall injuries, but this now seems less likely, his sedation has been reduced and he has been able to come off the ventilator.
“His wife Kate has been able to spend time with him and reports he is sitting up in bed and talking.
“It is hoped he will be able to leave intensive care in the next few days.
“Charlie and his family are extremely grateful for the care and expertise of the hospital staff and the good wishes from the racing community.”
Sun Racing will update you on Scholfield’s condition as soon as more is known.