Two jockeys were thrown from their rides in a horrific collision at Brighton Racecourse, leaving horse Virtue Chastity injured and rider Jack Dace rushed to hospital
Horrified racegoers were left in shock this afternoon after a “nasty” collision at Brighton Racecourse saw two horses and their riders wiped out in a brutal fall. The drama unfolded during the 3.56pm Flat race on Sunday (June 21), leaving witnesses praying for the safety of both the jockeys and the animals involved.
Jockeys Ashley Lewis and Jack Dace were thrown to the ground following what was described as a dangerous “clip of heels” as the runners thundered down the hill.
Recalling the terrifying moment, a shaken Lewis said: “The horse in front of me came down and by the time I realised it had come down and tried to move out, I was already on top of it.”
Lewis, who was onboard Gretna Dreams, miraculously escaped serious injury and confirmed to broadcasters that he felt “fine”.
However, his fellow rider Jack Dace, partnering Virtue Chastity, bore the brunt of the horrific impact. Presenter Matt Chapman provided an update on the unfolding situation live on Sky Sports Racing.
“We’ve had a really horrible incident with two horses coming down the hill in our last race,” Chapman told viewers. “We know that Ashley Lewis is okay, his horse is okay at the moment.
“Jack Dace is conscious, he’s breathing, which is obviously the best news. All his limbs are working, and he’s been sent to the local hospital, just for a check-up as much as anything.
“So that sounds pretty hopeful, but of course, you can just never tell with these kind of injuries. Anything can happen, but at this minute it looks like Jack is going to be okay.”
Fears remain for Dace’s horse, Virtue Chastity, with veterinary teams working on the track.
Detailing the desperate situation, Chapman added: “As for the horse, they’re just trying to ascertain whether his horse has any serious injuries or not, and that involves trying to move the horse a little bit. Obviously a horse weighs a lot, and they are putting as much water on the horse as possible.”
Stunned racing fans took to social media to express their shock at the “ugly” scenes, with one witness claiming they had “never seen a horse flip like that on the flat.”
Another worried punter posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Just saw the replay of the incident that happened at Brighton in the 3:56, looked a very nasty clip of heels and the aftermath that unfolded was not pretty in the slightest!”
Popular account Paddock Preview shared their concern, writing: “Horrible incident at Brighton as two horses and jockeys come down during a Flat race. Thoughts with all concerned and fingers crossed for a good outcome.”
Officials immediately halted proceedings, with racing delayed while emergency services cleared the track and tended to the stricken stars.