Jockey Ethan Brown is facing a lengthy six-month recovery process after suffering a devastating fall during the Australian Guineas race. The 24-year-old Group 1 winner was left with severe injuries that required three surgeries within a few days, losing almost all his blood and spending three days in a medically induced coma.
Brown recounted his ordeal to RSN, saying, “I lost five-and-a-half litres of blood, and you carry six-and-a-half or seven litres.” He continued, “I was unlucky but extremely lucky at the same time,” acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
The young jockey’s extensive injuries included a grade five lacerated liver, a severed artery, a damaged right kidney, significant internal bleeding, and hairline fractures to three lower back vertebrae. Five weeks after the incident, Brown was in more shock than he anticipated when watching the replay with RV Steward Robert Cram as part of the race fall inquiry.
Despite the challenging road to recovery, Brown remains eager to get back in the saddle and resume his racing career. However, the experience has given him a new perspective on life. He reflected, “Riding-wise, I’ll be back… but life in general, you go out there and never think that sort of thing to that extent will happen, or not to you anyway.”
He added, “It was a bit of an eye-opener; life is a precious thing.”
Brown is optimistic about his recovery and is determined to prioritize his health, fitness, and strength before rushing back to the racetrack. With a hopeful outlook on returning to racing within six months, he said, “Every week I get a bit more hungrier.”
