Image: Darren Winham
Although top racer Ryan Maloney had to skip winning races after the terrible hand he was dealt yesterday at Ipswich, he may not have to on Saturday at Eagle Farm.
There is still a cloud lingering over his head he has recovered but an x-ray today shows he has no broken vertebrae, although initially when he was smashed over the fence on Shane Warne’s horse .
The incident was horrifying and although there was no intention or malice towards the offending driver, Ben Thompson, whose affair has left a bitter taste for many.
Thompson is apparently also going on Saturday at this time. He has 9 rides while Maloney has 6 rides.
But an investigation, and an investigation that will be a very public one, into the disposal of the mount he rode that caused the carnage, has been adjourned by a day to be set.
In recognition of his credit, young Thompson went and apologized to his senior Maloney, who was as bitter about the downfall as you would imagine.
He wants to win the race.
He wore a black armband in tribute to the great man Shane Warne and his only comment when Thompson came to apologise was, “you should have known better”.
Terrible incidents keep happening in this sport. Ryan Maloney knows this and he understands that Thompson didn’t do it on purpose.
Despite hitting the railing very hard, Warnie Sacred Oath’s horse was unhurt so both the horse and rider will live to fight another day.
Doctors will observe Maloney on Saturday morning in connection with the book on his travels at Eagle Farm, but the recovering jockey feels certain he will be right in the competition.
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