Joaquim Pavoski Dapper, 16, has been killed after the aspiring jockey was thrown from his horse in the final meters of a race
An aspiring jockey, 16, has been killed after he was thrown from his horse in the final meters of a race.
Joaquim Pavoski Dapper was competing at the Gávea Hippodrome in Rio de Janeiro when he suffered the sickening fall in the final meters of the race, losing his balance and becoming unseated from his saddle in the middle of the pack.
The teenager hit the track hard infront of horrified spectators, as medical teams rushed to the fallen jockey. Joaquim was then rushed by ambulance to Miguel Couto Hospital in critical condition as doctors worked to stabilise him.
The incident occurred on December 9, and he was was transferred to Pasteur Hospital for specialised care. However, despite the treatment, his condition failed to improve and he was pronounced brain dead by the Jockey Club Brasileiro.
The Brazilian Jockey Club issued a statement mourning the loss of the young rider: “We reiterate our commitment to supporting sports professionals in all circumstances and thank everyone who followed J. Pavoski’s career,” the organisation said.
He was born in Faxinalzinho, northern Rio Grande do Sul with a population of around 2,500, and started riding four years ago when he was 12.
Joaquim had been regarded as a promising talent in Brazilian horse racing and moved to Rio to chase his dream.
He had made his professional debut just three months ago at the Gávea Hippodrome, stunning onlookers by winning his very first race.
Tributes have poured in from his hometown, and the city hall and municipal council issued a joint message: “In this moment of pain and dismay.
“The Municipal Administration expresses its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing Joaquim.”