Oisin Murphy was involved in a fatal horse racing accident at Ascot on Friday night, as his horse Excellent Echo suffered a fractured leg and was euthanized.
The incident occurred in the Sodexo Live! Handicap at the Royal racecourse, where Murphy was riding the 5-2 favourite.
What happened?
Excellent Echo fell a furlong from the finish, bringing down another runner and hospitalising its jockey, Sam James.
Murphy was going for a gap between Dannick and Cavolo Nero when the three-year-old stumbled, possibly having clipped heels, and went down.
The stewards were unable to hold an inquiry into the incident due to James being in an ambulance and Murphy receiving treatment on the track.
Why it matters for Oisin Murphy
This incident is a significant blow to Murphy, who earlier this summer was fined £70,000 and banned from driving after being involved in an accident while over the alcohol limit.
Murphy's horse Excellent Echo was a promising young horse, and its death will be felt by the racing community.
Dominic Ffrench Davis, the trainer of Excellent Echo, said: "He was a proper, tough little horse who needs cover and holding up in his races."
What comes next?
The incident will be investigated by the stewards, and Murphy will likely face questions about the accident.
As of Friday night, James was in hospital for further assessment, and Nordic Charm was reported to be none the worse, apart from a few cuts and bruises.
Ascot said in a statement: "Unfortunately, following an incident during the seventh race today, Excellent Echo suffered a fatal injury."
Murphy walked away from the incident unharmed, but the death of Excellent Echo will have a lasting impact on the racing community.
The incident occurred on Friday night, and the racing community will be waiting to see what actions are taken next.