- Former winner of The Everest was racing in Sydney Stakes
- Shocked onlookers when it collapsed in the middle of the race
A leading jockey has been praised for his quick thinking and bravery after a horror fall at Sydney‘s Randwick racecourse last weekend.
Champion racehorse Think About It, which won the 2023 running of The Everest, has officially been retired after the six-year-old collapsed in the Sydney Stakes last Saturday.
It was shocking scenes as jockey Jason Collett was thrown from his mount mid-race with commentators concerned about both the horse and rider.
But in amazing scenes, Collett quickly got to his feet and showed no regard for his own safety as he ran to the horse to comfort him.
‘Graphic footage [but] love to hear Think About It will be living life like a King from here on out in retirement,’ racing analyst John Wall posted to social media platform X.
‘But huge respect for Jason Collett in a crazy dangerous situation, trying to comfort the horse without any hesitation.’
Think About It, which was sired by two-time Cox Plate Champion So You Think, was clearly distressed on the track and Collett said his first instinct was to try and get him back to his feet.
‘I’m OK and amazingly the horse has walked back to the stalls,’ Collett said.
‘They don’t do that. I thought he’d broken down but he’s bled out.’
RacingNSW later confirmed that Think About It had suffered a bleeding attack but would make a full recovery.
Collett’s bravery was lauded by racing fans.
‘It’s very unsettling to watch the animal in these situations, Well done to Jason for not leaving his post at this very distressing time,’ one posted.
‘It shows just how much love there is for these animals. Anyone who had handles a horse knows what Jason did was selfless. Risked himself to comfort the horse. Legend,’ praised another supporter.
‘Unbelievably brave and selfless. Talk about emotional intelligence. So calm under pressure. Congratulations Jason,’ added another.
It was a horrific moment for trainer Joseph Pride who feared the worst as he ran out onto the track to check on Think About It’s welfare.
‘I walked down the straight. It was about 400m metres up – just a slow painful walk, by myself. I was fearing the worst,’ Pride said.
‘But then I saw his head pop up above the screen. It was amazing. I just thought ‘Aahh, what a relief’.
‘I still didn’t know what was wrong with him but just the fact he was up on his feet was such a relief. The difference between him not leaving Randwick Racecourse, and him retiring a happy and sound horse, well, it was just a big relief.’
The decision to immediately retire Think About It was an easy one for the trainer.
‘I couldn’t possibly risk him again. It was a big bleed, so it was an easy decision,’ Pride said.
‘He is bright and happy. I was quite surprised. I walked into the stable this morning, and he has his head hanging out the door. He looked like he does any other day after a race.
‘It is not to say he should race again or anything, but it is just me saying I am so happy to see him this morning. I can’t even believe he doesn’t even seem to be sore from the tumble. He rolled over and at speed, they’re going about 60km/h.’
