Jockey loses each legs in horror accident after he is trapped beneath useless horse

Shane McGovern, 67, was taking part in trackwork when his mount Reformist collapsed and died, trapping him underneath for six hours before his wife Kim found him

Veteran jockey Shane McGovern has tragically had both of his legs amputated following a bizarre accident at his stables. The 67-year-old was conducting trackwork when his horse, Reformist, reportedly collapsed and died, trapping him underneath.

McGovern’s wife, Kim, discovered him after six hours and he was swiftly taken to hospital from his base in Charters Towers, North Queensland, Australia. The incident on April 8 cut off the blood supply to the rider’s legs, and doctors found he had also dislocated his shoulder and broken several ribs.

“A devastating update on QLD jockey Shane McGovern, unfortunately Shane has now had both his legs amputated,” a post from The Australian Jockeys Association revealed on X.

“We are sending all our prayers and love to you Shane and your family. Keep fighting Shane.”

The association’s health and safety officer, Kevin Ring, informed Racenet that McGovern, who has ridden more than 200 winners from 1,885 races, could face additional surgery as he remains in Townsville Hospital, reports the Mirror.

“He’s in recovery at the moment and he had a good night afterwards apparently,” Ring said. “He’s sedated of course, but he’s going to have to have other operations I would suggest.

“They can do amazing things these days, so as long as he’s got some quality of life, that’s the main thing. It’s going to be a long slog with rehab.”

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Reformist, a nine-year-old horse, was reported to have collapsed after suffering an aneurysm during routine exercise.

Racing Queensland contributed $50,000 (£26,000) to a GoFundMe established for McGovern, while the Queensland Jockeys’ Association provided an additional $5,000 (£2,600), bringing the overall total to nearly $77,000 (£41,000).

“At age 67, Shane has dedicated his entire working life to our industry and for it to be changed in this way through this accident is incredibly confronting for him and for his wife Kim,” donors to the fundraising page were informed.

“Shane will be facing a long time in hospital and will then need many months of rehabilitation. It is a total disruptor to a life that he and his wife Kim had built over decades around their horse training and riding lives.”