A dangerous game

by Hayley

A reminder of what a dangerous sport racing is over the weekend, with local jump jockey Finian O'Toole suffering a fall at Kelso that resulted in a broken pelvis. Both flat and jump jockeys are incredibly brave, even after suffering such injuries they cannot wait to get back in the saddle. We wish him a full and speedy recovery. 

Another jockey lucky to avoid immense injury over the weekend was Evan Daly. He was running the course at Navan where he was scheduled to ride, when he was almost mown down by the runners in a hurdle race. Many jockeys walk or run the track before riding, it's a good habit for quite a few reasons: becoming familiar with the layout, seeking out the best ground and of course, weight and fitness benefits. However, running around a racecourse on a race day with headphones in is never a good idea, nor is it wise when working with horses. It's safe to assume he won't make the same mistake twice and no doubt he is mortified by the attention he has received as such. People have an awful habit of hanging people out to dry on social media and we aren't here to join in - we would just like to draw attention to the story in the hope that at least one reader may decide against the use of headphones when working with/riding horses.