Khumalo aims to ride at Fairview

The former champion jockey came down hard but the on-course examination was confirmed later by the clinic that there were no broken bones, major injuries or concussion. “He is sore and bruised and there is some soft tissue injuries,” explained Vice Chairman of the Jockeys’ Association of South Africa Tex Lerena yesterday. “I had a chat to S’manga and he says he will miss the Vaal meeting but he hopes to be back to ride at Fairview on Friday.”

Apprentice Mathew Thackeray also came down when his mount, Majestic Bay, fell as well but both he and the horse are fine. “Mathew had an abrasion and a slight swelling on the side of his head. He was lucky because that could have been serious. Fortunately it wasn’t and he is fine,” said Lerena.

Zambezi River looked to be cruising to an easy victory when he broke down and sadly had to be euthanized.

Incidents like this always put a damper on a meeting and the incident came after the Sean Tarry stable was bubbling over with four winners in five races.