Andrew Fortune managed a smile this evening before his CT scan (Pic – Supplied)
The Sporting Post
The thrills and joys of a magical World Sports Betting Cape Town Met day probably feel a million miles away right now for former SA Champion jockey Andrew Fortune, who was injured in a fall at Fairview on Friday afternoon.
Riding Witching Hour for Zietsman Oosthuizen, the Candyman was negotiating some tight galloping room down the inside rail when his mount appeared to clip heels and stumble.
“Andrew has suffered a broken shoulder and collarbone and is due to go for a CT scan. He is in good spirits and thanks everybody for the good wishes and kind thoughts,” his wife Ashley told the Sporting Post just after 19h00 on Friday.
The incident highlighted the rollercoaster life of a jockey – just under three weeks ago the 58 year old Fortune steered home four winners – including a first Met victory – at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth’s premier day of the year.
His victories on that super Saturday included two Grade 1’s in the Met on See It Again and the Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes on super mare Double Grand Slam – both for Justin Snaith.
It was the pinnacle of a career that has, at times, entertained and amazed us.
While Justin Snaith will have to find another rider for Wish List in the Lucky Fish Gr1 Cape Derby on Saturday 28 February, we can only hope that the legend makes a comeback in time for the SA Champions Season.
While it’s obviously tougher to get up off the mat at his age, Andrew Fortune has beaten tougher challenges than a few broken bones, and his nerve will be intact. That we don’t doubt.
