A veteran jockey has died two weeks after being trapped under his horse in a freak accident in North Queensland, Australia. Shane McGovern, 67, had both legs amputated after his horse Reformist collapsed and died on top of him at his stables on April 8.
McGovern was trapped for six hours before being discovered by his wife Kim and rushed to hospital. The horse is believed to have suffered an aneurysm. Doctors amputated McGovern’s left leg below the knee and later his right leg, and also found he had dislocated his shoulder and broken several ribs.
On Thursday, McGovern was moved into palliative care and passed away in hospital on Saturday. The Australian Jockeys Association said: “We are devastated to announce that after a hard-fought battle, Queensland jockey Shane McGovern passed away this morning. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. May Shane now rest in peace.”
Racing Queensland CEO Lachland Murray paid tribute, saying: “Shane was a natural horseman, dedicating his entire life to the thoroughbred industry. He was universally loved and admired.” McGovern had ridden more than 200 winners in 1,885 races over his career.
