Jockey, 23, ‘airlifted to hospital with critical injuries’ after horse suffers heart attack mid-race

A JOCKEY has been ‘airlifted to hospital with critical injuries’ after her horse suffered a heart attack during a race, reports claim.

Apprentice rider Ivy Lam, who is from Hong Kong, is believed to have suffered a critical head injury after falling at Gawler racecourse in South Adelaide, Australia.

Apprentice jockey Ivy Lam was airlifted to hospital after she suffered reportedly ‘critical’ injuries when she fell from her horse, who suffered a heart attack mid-race

Her mount Jacobs Gate, a five-year-old gelding, dropped back sharply through the field near the 700m mark.

Lam was unseated in the incident and attended to immediately by on-course medics.

The remainder of the meeting was abandoned.

A statement from the Hong Kong Jockey Club confirmed: “The Hong Kong Jockey Club can confirm that Trainee Apprentice Jockey Ivy Lam suffered a fall after her mount suffered a heart attack mid-race at Gawler Racecourse in Australia today.

“Lam has been sent to hospital where she is receiving immediate medical care.

“The Club’s Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress, Apprentice Jockeys’ School Amy Chan is travelling to Australia to offer all necessary support to Lam and her family.”

A further statement from Racing SA read: “Apprentice Ivy Lam is in a stable condition at RAH where she’s being treated for injuries sustained in a fall during R7 at Gawler today.

“Ivy was injured when her mount Jacob’s Gate suffered a medical episode & collapsed at the 700 metre mark.

“Racing SA Stewards & First Care Medical were immediately on the scene & worked to stabilise her condition prior to the arrival of SA Ambulance paramedics.

“We’re advised Ivy regained consciousness prior to being airlifted to the RAH where she is currently undergoing scans.

“We are enormously grateful to all those involved in Ivy’s care.
Racing SA is in close contact with Ivy’s family and we will provide further updates when possible.”

Lam has 16 career victories and more than £160,000 in career winnings on the track.

She began her career in Australia in January this year and rides for trainers Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle.

Her most recent win came just five days ago aboard The Stalker at Balaklava racecourse.