No jockeys charged over fatal Caulfield Cup fall
Racing Victoria stewards have cleared all jockeys involved in the devastating Caulfield Cup fall that claimed the life of New Zealand champion Ohope Wins and left Half Yours injured.
An inquiry concluded on Tuesday that the incident near the 300-metre mark of Saturday’s $5 million Caulfield Cup was caused by a chain reaction involving several horses, rather than careless riding by any individual jockey.
Half Yours, ridden by Mark Zahra, fell after being tightened for room, bringing down Ohope Wins and jockey Jye McNeil, who were following immediately behind.
Ohope Wins suffered serious injuries and could not be saved despite treatment from veterinarians at the track.
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The Chris Waller stable paid an emotional tribute to the dual Oaks winner following the tragedy.
“Few words can express our current emotions. Our wonderful Ohope Wins was sadly brought down in today’s Caulfield Cup, and despite all efforts from the on-course veterinarians, could not be saved,” the stable said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“A dual Oaks winner and Champion in her native New Zealand, Ohope Wins was a true star of the turf, but to the people who looked after her everyday, she was so much more.
“She was brave. She was kind. She was full of character. But more importantly, she was loved.”
The stable also extended its sympathies to everyone involved in the mare’s career, particularly those responsible for her daily care.
Tuesday’s inquiry heard further evidence from Zahra and McNeil, who had both been transported to hospital following the race.
Stewards also reviewed evidence from Ethan Brown, Rachel King and apprentice Jabez Johnstone, along with footage from multiple camera angles.
The investigation established that Kings Valley, ridden by Johnstone, shifted marginally outwards near the 300m, while King’s mount Green Spaces moved slightly inwards under pressure as it tired.
The two horses made contact, causing Green Spaces to become unbalanced and shift further inwards, making additional contact with Kings Valley.
That movement forced Kings Valley inwards, tightening the running of Half Yours between Kings Valley and Zahrann, ridden by Brown.
Half Yours subsequently fell, leaving the trailing Ohope Wins with no opportunity to avoid the fallen horse.
However, stewards determined that neither King nor Johnstone had ridden carelessly and both had taken appropriate corrective action to relieve the pressure.
Brown was also cleared of contributing to the incident, with stewards satisfied that Zahrann and Half Yours had established clear running before the interference occurred.
“Stewards could not attribute the incident to the careless actions of any one particular rider,” Racing Victoria said.
The inquiry has now been closed, with no charges laid against any jockey.
Racing Victoria also confirmed that an inspection of the track following the incident found no safety concerns with the racing surface. The final race on the program was subsequently conducted without incident.
The death of Ohope Wins has been referred to Racing Victoria’s Veterinary Services Department under standard procedures.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours is recovering from lacerations and abrasions sustained in the fall but will be sent for a spell.
Co-trainer Tony McEvoy said the stable was relieved that the horse had survived an incident that could have had an even more devastating outcome.
“We are blessed to have taken our horse home and he seems OK,” McEvoy said.
“It was upsetting for everyone. They all (the stable staff) felt it.
“We sent out a really nice message to all our team at Flemington and Ballarat last night to assure them that our horse is OK and will recover.”
McEvoy also acknowledged the emotional toll the incident had taken on those responsible for caring for the horses.
“They wear it on their sleeve because they get very close to these horses and do a great job.
“It was gut-wrenching to watch but we feel blessed that we’ve been able to take our horse home and the jockeys are OK.”
McNeil has since been cleared of injury and is expected to return to race riding at Wednesday’s Geelong Cup meeting.
Zahra, meanwhile, is undergoing further medical assessment on Tuesday, with a decision on his return to riding expected after consulting his doctors.
