Jockey David Tootell, 61, emerges from coma as another horror fall leaves Aussie racing in shock
Jockey, 61, comes out of an induced coma as yet another horror trap leaves Aussie racing in shock
- David Tootell involved in shocking fall
- Suffered cerebral hemorrhages in the accident
- Daughter of experienced rider was present
Veteran jockey David Tootell has awakened from an induced coma after being thrown from his mount in shocking scenes at a race in South Australia on Sunday.
The 61-year-old hooped the Annette Harder-trained gelding Hardashian in race three at Port Augusta when the horse gave way in the first 100 meters and Tootell flew over his head.
The wily veteran, who trains as well as drives, was rushed to Port Augusta Hospital in critical condition and put into an induced coma due to ‘two minor brain haemorrhages’, according to Cahill Racing.
Fortunately, Tootell, who has raced more than 800 winners in a diligent career that began in 1986, has since been shaken up, Racing South Australia said in a statement.
“Jockey David Tootell has awakened from an induced coma and is communicating with his family after an incident in the third race at Port Augusta,” the organization said in a statement.
His daughter Caitlin, an apprentice jockey, was also at the meeting and stopped some of her rides after the incident. The pair went head-to-head in the first race of the day, where she finished second.
More to come…
Veteran jockey David Tootell was thrown from his mount on Sunday in a horror fall in the country of South Australia
The 61-year-old was rushed to Port Augusta Hospital in critical condition, where he was kept in an induced coma. He is now awake and communicating with family