Health update issued on ‘shaken’ jockey Jye McNeil and Mark Zahra after Caulfield Cup tragedy

Top jockey Jye McNeil has thanked medical teams after appearing to avoid serious injury when he fell in a dramatic finish at the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.

His mount Ohope Wins was euthanised while Mark Zahra’s Half Yours survived the fall and only suffered cuts.

The Melbourne Cup-winning jockeys both walked away from the fall but were taken to hospital.

McNeil was accompanied by former Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga, who issued an update and statement late on Saturday night.

“Following the unfortunate fall at Caulfield today, I am with Jye at the hospital and he has asked me to communicate on his behalf,” Kanga wrote.

“Jye and his family sincerely appreciate everyone’s concern for his welfare. He was transported to hospital by Ambulance Victoria and is in great care.

“He is understandably a little shaken, but at this stage there are no apparent broken bones.

“Jye is extremely grateful for the immediate care and support provided by the Racing Victoria doctors and first-aid team, together with the Melbourne Racing Club team.

“He also greatly appreciates the care and support of the Victorian Jockey Association and CEO Matthew Hyland, who has been there supporting Jye, Jess and the family throughout.

“Jye has sent his sincere condolences to Mr Zhang, Yulong and the team at Chris Waller Racing following the very sad loss of Ohope Wins.

“His thoughts are with everyone who loved and cared for her. Thank you again to everyone who has reached out and shown their concern, he will be back in the saddle very soon.”

Ohope Wins, who was trained by Chris Waller, won two-time Group 1 races among four victories from 11 starts.

“Few words can express our current emotions. Our wonderful Ohope Wins was sadly brought down in today’s Caulfield Cup, and despite all efforts from the on-course veterinarians, could not be saved,” Yulong and Chris Waller Racing said in a statement.

“A dual Oaks winner and Champion in her native New Zealand, Ohope Wins was a true star of the turf, but to the people who looked after her everyday, she was so much more.