Barend Vorster will be out of action for some time with a confirmed broken collarbone.
The South African, in Australia to ride for Team McEvoy and who was enjoying great success doing so, had Manuel travelling sweetly in the run back in 5th spot to the turn at Moonee Valley on Friday.
He had just asked him to click up and he was responding.
But when, with 275m to travel, Vorster moved him out, maddeningly at that precise moment Dan Stackhouse on Begood Toyour Mother and James Winks on Ashlor moved their mounts too.
The timing of the 3 incidents was astonishing. And poor old Manuel just had no where to go while running at top speed.
He went down on his nose in a very heavy fall throwing Vorster just as hard to the turf.
The jock had trouble breathing and complained of chest pains for a lengthy period of time after the crash.
He was taken to hospital and x-rays have confirmed the break.
He will be sidelined for at least 3 months.
Manuel, may he rest in peace now, won the Gr 1 CF Orr Stakes and was also a winner in South Australia and stakes placed in NSW.
He tallied A$811,950 in prize earnings from 29 starts for his owners: the Lechte family and Pipeliner Bloodstock.
- www.justhorseracing.com.au
