Positive news for Claudia Lions after horror fall at Kangaroo Island races

The Kangaroo Island Racing Club meeting at Kingscote was cut short yesterday after a race-fall in the very first race in which involved the Nicola Irwin trained Comeon Scruff and jockey Claudia Lions.

The official stewards report for race one notes that Comeon Scruff ‘underwent a pre-race veterinary examination as the mare had not raced for nearly a year and was passed fit to start. Rounding the turn near the 800 metres the mare raced greenly and lost ground. Passing the 300 metres the mare lost its footing and fell. C. Lions remained conscious, however, was transferred to hospital for observation. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no visible abnormalities, however, medication was required.’

After that incident, again from the Steward’s Report, ‘Prior to the running of Race 2, the track was examined near the 300 metres by the Stewards and delegates representing the jockeys riding at the meeting and was deemed to be satisfactory to race on; however, it would be monitored for the remainder of the meeting.’

And then after the running of that second race … ‘After the running of Race 2 delegates representing the jockeys riding at the meeting expressed further concerns with the track, in particular shortly after passing the 800 metres.

Stewards, along with the delegates representing the jockeys, had a further more detailed examination of the area of concern. Stewards and the delegates representing the jockeys were not satisfied with the condition of the track near the 750 metres. After exhausting options to rectify or by-pass the section of concern Stewards postponed the remainder of the meeting.’

Friday’s report has been positive for jockey Lions with the CT scans showing no major issues however she will be monitored by doctors over the next few days.

The Kangaroo Island Racing Club is due to hold its big Kangaroo Island Cup meeting on Saturday.