A JOCKEY has died after being ‘trampled by horses’ just seconds into a race following a horror fall.
Jitendra Singh, 24, an apprentice jockey in India, was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival, according to reports.
Singh, who was from Rajasthan, a state in northern India, had been competing in a race at Hyderabad Race Club when the tragedy occurred.
Chaderghat inspecter of police P Sateesh said: “About ten seconds into the race Jitendra fell from the horse, Gold Label.
“He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
“We suspect that he was trampled by horses and suffered internal injuries.”
Video showing Singh’s fatal fall was circulated on social media last Sunday.
The jockey, wearing yellow silks, is in the middle of the pack early on in the race on flats.
It appears his horse clips heels with another during the hustle and bustle for position.
Singh falls to the floor as the horses behind continue to charge forward.
Singh’s horse is briefly brought down before getting to its feet and carrying on.
Fans were in shock at the news of his death and posted their condolences online.
One said: “Tragic news coming in from Hyderabad, jockey Jitendra Singh who was on Gold Label who went down in the fourth race has passed away! RIP.”
Another posted: “Absolutely devastating news to start off 2021 – Hyderabad racing today – jockey Jitendra Singh who was on Gold Label who went down in the 4th race has passed away!
“RIP – what a sad day – puts everything into perspective! Thoughts are with Indian racing today.”
A fellow racing follower wrote: “Sorry sorry news from Hyderabad as apprentice jockey Jitendra Singh has passed away following an incident in the 4th race at the track.
“Really puts things in perspective. RIP.”
And another comment said: “Very sad news. The perils of our sport. RIP.”
Racing has endured a sombre end to 2020 and start to 2021.
Much loved trainer Zoe Davison sadly lost her battle against cancer aged 60 on Sunday – the same day she sent out to two winners at Plumpton.
And billionaire magnate JP McManus has withdrawn all his future runners following the shock death of his 40-year-old daughter-in-law.
