Lyle Hewitson with one of his biggest supporters among the trainers in Hong Kong, fellow ex-pat South African Douglas Whyte. (Picture: HKJC)
Lyle Hewitson was in a terrible fall at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Sunday when his horse clipped the heels of a horse who had been pushed outward into his path due to a riding transgression by the current Longines World’s Best Jockey, James McDonald.
He emerged without serious injury and said today, “I’m doing really well and everyday is major improvement. The main issues were a contusion and sprain to the vastus medialis of the quadriceps, and contusion and swelling of my big toe. But as the edema in both reduces through physio and movement, the pain reduces and everything gets better. The body in general felt a bit battered yesterday, but is also improving. I’m getting back on track. I expect to race on Sunday, fortunately. Unfortunately the manoeuvre at the point of the turn caused heavy contact to the horse on his outside, and that horse was bumped wider abruptly into my running which in turn of course resulted in clipping and falling. I’m just thankful I’m relatively unscathed all things considered. J Mac made an error, was in the wrong, and he has pleaded guilty as well as accepted the penalty which he was given. The last thing he would have wanted/expected was causing a fall and I don’t doubt that. I’m sure if he could change what happened he would.”
Mc Donald was given a seven meeting suspension.
The stipendiary steward report on the incident said:
“J McDonald (SWIFT ASCEND) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 450 Metres he directed his mount out to the outside of CHARMING BABE when not clear of LUCKY ARCHANGEL, resulting in SWIFT ASCEND making heavy contact with LUCKY ARCHANGEL and taking that horse across the running of JOYFUL HUNTER, resulting in JOYFUL HUNTER falling and L Hewitson being dislodged. Jockey Hewitson was transported to hospital for treatment. J McDonald was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 26 December 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 16 January 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (7 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey McDonald was fined $60,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 5 and also considered his very good race riding record. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. <16/12/2024 Additional Veterinary Report> JOYFUL HUNTER, which fell near the 450 Metres, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was found to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. JOYFUL HUNTER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, JOYFUL HUNTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.”
Hewitson had 50 wins on the island two seasons ago and 40 last season, so will not be happy with just seven to date this season from 189 rides.
However, he remains in demand and enjoys full books most meetings.
The three-time SA champion jockey has bounced back before, including from a horrendous multiple pile up in December three years ago.
He has also bounced back from trots of below par form, so hopefully the winners will soon start raining in.
Fellow ex-pat South African Douglas Whyte is one of his chief supporters, which is important as Whyte is an island legend.
