Teenage jockey Lachlan Scorse is in an induced coma following a horrific fall at Taree on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was airlifted to hospital from the New South Wales racetrack, about 300kms north of Sydney.
Four riders came off their horses in the shocking incident, three of whom were hospitalised.
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Courtney Van Der Werf and Jeff Penza joined Scorse in the care of medical professionals.
Racing NSW confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday night.
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“Lachlan Scorse is in an induced coma currently undergoing scans in hospital,” Racing NSW said.
“Courtney is waiting to have x-rays on a suspected fractured left clavicle but no other injuries.
“Jeff Penza has fractured ribs, an injury to his lung, and concussion. He will be admitted to ICU overnight.”
Lachlan Scorse is in an induced coma. Credit: X
The incident occurred when five-year-old gelding Balzando, with Scorse on board, broke down in the Graff At Kitchwin Hills Class 3 Handicap (1262m).
Just four months into his competitive riding career, the youngster hit the turf hard before drifting in and out of consciousness.
He was eventually sedated while paramedics transferred him to hospital.
Balzando’s accident had a domino effect for several horses behind it, creating a trail of chaos as others came down.
Penza had only been a late inclusion into the race, replacing Andrew Gibbons on board Mischievous Molly, while Van Der Werf was thrown off No Respect in the scary accident.
Jeff Kehoe was the fourth rider to come off, but escaped serious injury despite falling from Golden Breeze.
It was the penultimate race of the day, but race organisers made the decision to cancel the final event.
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