James McDonald Dislodged from Via Sistina During Trackwork Incident
In a startling turn of events, superstar jockey James McDonald was thrown off the promising Cox Plate contender Via Sistina during a trackwork session at Moonee Valley on Tuesday. The incident occurred in front of a sizable crowd attending the Breakfast With The Best event, a popular gathering for racing enthusiasts eager to witness the preparation of their favorite horses.
The Incident Unfolds
As McDonald and Via Sistina were working out, the mare unexpectedly shifted, causing McDonald to tumble to the turf. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the moment, showing McDonald falling off the side of the horse. Fortunately, he quickly regained his composure, getting up and walking off the track with the assistance of a couple of helpers. The incident raised immediate concerns about both the jockey’s and the horse’s well-being.
Immediate Aftermath
Despite the fall, Via Sistina continued to run several laps of the track riderless, a sight that left many spectators anxious about her condition. Racing manager Troy Stephens from Yulong Investments expressed his disappointment regarding the incident, stating it was "very unlikely" that the mare would participate in the upcoming $5 million Cox Plate on Saturday. "Very disappointing," he remarked, noting that while Via Sistina appeared to be fine, the circumstances surrounding the fall were concerning.
Insights from the Connections
Stephens provided further context, explaining that Via Sistina had tripped just as they were straightening, which led to McDonald being dislodged. He noted that the mare had a bandage wrapped around her hind leg, which may have contributed to her spooking. "She’s a super mare, as long as she’s all right we’re happy," he added, emphasizing the importance of her health over the race.
Trainer Chris Waller also weighed in on the situation, confirming that Via Sistina had not sustained any injuries during the incident. "She doesn’t have a hair missing, there is no blood, no skin off," Waller stated, expressing his relief after having the horse examined by both his team and Racing Victoria’s vet. Initially fearing the worst, Waller was grateful to report that the mare was safe and sound.
Future Plans for Via Sistina
With the Cox Plate now in serious doubt for Via Sistina, Stephens hinted at a potential shift in focus towards the TAB Champions Stakes scheduled for November 9 at Flemington. This would allow the mare to recover fully while still aiming for a significant race in the near future.
Recent Performance Highlights
Via Sistina has been in remarkable form leading up to this incident, having won two Group 1 races in her last three starts: the Winx Stakes and the Turnbull Stakes. With over $3.6 million in earnings across her 18-start career, she has established herself as a formidable competitor in the racing scene. Prior to the incident, she was rated a $4.50 chance with TAB for the Cox Plate, trailing only Prognosis and Pride Of Jenni in the market.
Community Reaction
The racing community has rallied around both McDonald and Via Sistina, expressing their hopes for a swift recovery for the mare and a quick return to form for the jockey. Fans and fellow jockeys alike have taken to social media to share their support, highlighting the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the bond between horse and rider.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Via Sistina and her connections to see how they navigate this unexpected setback.