The racing community is bracing for the loss of Queensland country jockey Shane McGovern, who has been transferred to palliative care following a tragic trackwork incident.
The Australian Jockeys’ Association confirmed the 67-year-old was moved to the palliative care unit at Townsville Hospital due to ongoing complications.
“He has been transferred to the palliative care unit due to ongoing issues,” the AJA said in a statement.
“He has his family by his side now as he continues with this horrendous battle.”
McGovern’s ordeal began last month at Charters Towers when the horse he was riding in trackwork, Reformist, suddenly collapsed and died from an aneurysm, trapping him underneath.
He remained pinned for up to six hours before being discovered by his wife and trainer Kim.
The incident caused catastrophic injuries, including loss of blood circulation to both legs, a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs.
Despite multiple surgeries at Townsville Hospital, including the amputation of both legs, medical staff were unable to control severe infection and internal bleeding.
AJA health and safety officer Kevin Ring said doctors had exhausted all options.
“They just couldn’t control the infection and he was also bleeding internally,” Ring said.
“They were pumping him full of blood and he was surviving but that was it.
“The family just agreed it was best to let him rest and keep him comfortable. It’s a sad situation.”
Support has poured in from across the industry, with a GoFundMe campaign raising more than $80,000 to assist McGovern’s family.
Those funds will now go to his wife Kim, while plans are being made for a funeral at Cluden Park racecourse in Townsville.
The incident has deeply impacted the racing community, with tributes continuing to flow for the well-respected jockey.