Jim Crowley: was taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries

 

PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos), BY DAVID BAXTER4:05PM 31 OCT 2016 

CHAMPION jockey Jim Crowley and Freddy Tylicki were taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries following a four-horse pile-up at Kempton on Monday.

Following a delay of over an hour, stewards consulted with the jockeys at the track and the decision was taken to abandon the rest of the meeting.

Steve Drowne and Ted Durcan also came down in the incident, which happened on the turn into the home straight in the 3.20.

Crowley and Tylicki were both taken to the major trauma unit at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, with Tylicki transported by air ambulance, whereas Crowley was taken by road ambulance.

Clerk of the course Barney Clifford said: “Both jockeys have gone to St George’s in Tooting for further investigation. Freddy Tylicki was airlifted and Jim Crowley has gone by road ambulance.

“Both are on spinal boards and both gave their consent to me and the doctor to update their next of kin family members. I can’t say anymore than that at this stage.”

Drowne and Durcan were able to walk back to the weighing room. The four horses involved were reported to be on their feet following the incident.

Clifford said: “I touched base with Steve Drowne and he was fine. Ted Durcan was quite shaken. I just hope and pray that both Freddy and Jim are okay.”

Racing abandoned 

On the decision to call off the rest of the meeting, Clifford added: “Having discussed it with the jockeys and the stewards the unanimous decision, as a mark of respect to the two lads that had been injured, was that we abandon racing.”

Tylicki was aboard Nellie Deen in second, and exiting the bend into the home straight, when it appeared his mount clipped heels with leader and eventual winner Madame Butterfly.

Nellie Deen in turn brought down Electrify [Crowley], Skara Mae [Drowne] and Sovrano Dolce [Durcan].