The Western Cape Stipendiary board are satisfied that no rider could be held responsible for an incident in the final race at Kenilworth on Saturday that led to apprentice Louis Burke falling heavily from his mount Caesura in the final stages of the race.
The incident comes just a fortnight after fellow apprentice Liam Tarentaal was injured.
Injured – Louis Burke will be out of action for a while (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Burke’s ride clipped the heels of Devin Ashby’s mount Icon King and the young rider fell under an oncoming horse, who then ran over him.
It is reported that he has sustained a broken left shoulder, broken nose and concussion. His CT scan for brain and neck injuries are clear.
He is, however, in a stable condition at the moment and might have an operation on his shoulder on Wednesday.
Louis thanked all trainers, owners and jockeys for their wonderful caring messages and phone calls since his admission.
It is not known how long he will be out of action.
The Stipes reported:
Approaching the 100m CAESURA (*L Burke), which was hanging out eased and then clipped the heels of ICON KING (D Ashby), which had rolled in slightly away from ROCKIN’ RINGO (G Behr) and was immediately straightened, stumbled badly and dislodged the rider. THE PERFECT WAVE (M J Byleveld), which was following was checked and switched outwards to avoid the fallen rider. Thereafter PURPLE MOUNTAINS (O Noach) was switched out sharply when attempting to avoid the fallen rider. After reviewing the video evidence the Board was satisfied that no rider could be held responsible for this incident.
