Jockey Ben Curtis has spoken of his "lucky" escape after he suffered a shock fall while educating a horse.
The British sportsman was thrown to the ground when his mount tripped leaving the starting stalls. Footage posted on his social media shows Curtis hitting the sand head first, as onlookers gasp in shock. The clip was accompanied by a picture of a scan showing his collarbone injury.
"Unfortunately 5/6 weeks on the sidelines. All systems go to be back for the meet at Colonial (Downs)," he said. "Could say it was unlucky, I’d say I was lucky it was just a collarbone! Great lads Hunter & @FaucheuxRacing Kept me well entertained #PartOfTheJob #LiteralStumblingBlock."
Racing fans sent messages of support to Curtis, who rode a century of UK winners in 2023 for the fifth time in six years before he moved to America.
"Horrible looking fall and all in a split second. Hope you make a quick and full recovery Ben!" one wrote.
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And another person said: "Oh no ! So sorry to hear you are injured but thank goodness will be okay. Hope you have a good rest and heal well."
The setback for the 2020 All Weather Jockeys Championship titleholder comes just weeks after he had his first Kentucky Derby ride. Curtis, who extended his stay abroad after a successful winter, partnered Honor Marie into eighth place, as Mystik Dan prevailed in a dramatic three-horse finish.
It was not a smooth experience for the top jockey, as his racer was bumped on several occasions and could only pass beaten horses from a rear position.
But there have been high points on the 34-year-old's new career adventure, which included a Listed success riding Tufani last December. It was recorded at Fair Grounds and he completed the season with a significant placing in the jockeys’ standings.
In March, Curtis announced he would continue to compete abroad, with Ron Faucheux working as his agent. He said better prize money and having more family time influenced the important decision.
“Life is too short to ignore your dreams and I have managed to put a big tick against one of mine which was to ride a winner in America,” he said. “After a fantastic winter at the Fairgrounds, the 4 months in New Orleans have given me 43 winners, 4th in the championship and in excess of $1.5 million in prize money - more than I could have ever expected.
“It has also given me the opportunity to reunite with old friends and meet some amazing new ones.
“I have always thrived on new challenges and adventures and it is with this ideology that I have made the decision to follow my dreams and embrace the opportunity to continue my career in America for the foreseeable future."
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