Memories of an incident which forced jockey Glen Colless to have a toe amputated two years ago returned to haunt him at Doomben on Wednesday.
Colless knew he was in trouble aboard the Bryan Guy-trained Gallant Boy in the Drumbeats@Lyndhurst Maiden Handicap (1350m) when the four-year-old began to stagger approaching the home turn.
Colless tried desperately to pull Gallant Boy out of the race but the gelding veered out and crashed through the outside fence.
Luckily, Colless was able to avoid the carnage when he leapt from the saddle moments before Gallant Boy collapsed and died from a bleeding attack.
However, Colless hit the ground heavily and was later forced to stand down from his remaining commitments because of concussion.
“I knew something was drastically wrong and tried to slow him down,” Colless said.
“But he still managed to smash through the fence.”
Colless was briefly treated by ambulance officers after being left dazed on the ground following his heavy tumble.
The incident was similar to when Colless had his left foot badly mutilated when Indiana Storm staggered before crashing into the outside rail at Eagle Farm in February 2009.
“It’s the second time this year I’ve had a heavy knock to the head,” Colless said.
“I had vertigo after a fall around winter carnival time and missed between five and six weeks.”
In the 2009 incident, surgeons pinned two of Colless’ toes but he later had the middle toe of his left foot amputated.
The opening race at Doomben was won by the Barry Baldwin-trained Run Royal Run, who strolled to a six length victory over Robdon Ramble.
Baldwin predicted a bright future over further ground for Run Royal Run, who gave jockey Chris Munce the first of five winners in a personal best at a metropolitan meeting.
Baldwin has had to be patient with Run Royal Run after the four-year-old hurt his pelvis at his first start at Caloundra in January.
“His owners were very patient and then let me tip him out for six months,” Baldwin said.
He predicted a bright future for Run Royal Run once he steps up to a middle distance.
“He just wants to stay and he’s not appreciating these sprint races,” he said.
“He’s well bred and there’s a couple of two mile winners in South Africa on his dam’s side.”
The win was a welcome change of luck for Baldwin after Havatryst was ruled out of the Listed Keith Noud Quality (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday with a foot injury.
AAP TURF
