Experienced jockey Tim Clark and apprentice Nick Heywood avoided serious injury after falls marred the closing stages of the Warwick Farm midweek meeting.
Clark looked to be at the most risk after his mount Eastern Legend appeared to clip the heels of Viceroy at the 200m in the TAB Handicap.
But he was able to walk to the ambulance after being comforted by fellow jockey Brenton Avdulla, who raced to the scene after watching the drama unfold.
“He’s OK. He just got a bit winded and he might have a few bruises,” Avdulla said as Clark was assessed by medical staff.
Clark said he was “all right” as he left the track.
Eastern Legend promptly regained his footing and did not appear to be hurt.
Racing NSW stewards opened an inquiry into the incident but adjourned it until next Wednesday because Clark was unable to attend.
Clark has been riding the crest of wave, bringing up his 100th winner of the season last Saturday.
He added to his tally at Warwick Farm when three-year-old Pelorus Jack defeated older horses.
Clark is booked to ride the Chris Waller-trained Cross Stitch in the Group One Queensland Oaks on Saturday.
The midweek drama continued in the last when Heywood was dislodged from Romney’s Choice who hit the turf – and the running rail – after coming in contact with Gretna, ridden by fellow apprentice Lee Magorrian.
Heywood, who rode five winners at Newcastle last Saturday, punched the ground in frustration and the apprentice was walked down the straight unassisted.
Stewards issued Magorrian with a reprimand for allowing Gretna to shift in on Romney’s Choice.
Like Eastern Legend, Romney’s Choice was unharmed except for losing a tooth.
James Cummings insists will be leaving behind a horse with potential when he takes up the head training role at Godolphin.
A sparingly raced three-year-old, Launch Code underscored his ability with an impressive victory against his own age.
“There’s a touch of the freak about him and hopefully and he can just keep getting better,” Cummings said.
“Wherever he goes they’ll have a nice horse.”
