Jockey Denis Schwarz is recovering at home after fracturing his right clavicle in a fall from his mount Golden Belle in Saturday’s Gr2 Senor Santa Stakes at Turffontein.
In a tragic and sad incident, the Sean Tarry filly was humanely euthanased after breaking down on her right front about 100m from the post.
The 21 year old Denis came down heavily and fractured his right collar-bone (clavicle). He was in a lot of pain and went under the surgeon’s knife on Sunday.
Denis and Abigail – both without a right arm
His Stepfather Pieter Brown told the Sporting Post on Monday that Denis was expected to be out of action for anything between 8 to 12 weeks.
Pieter explained that it has been a tough few days for the family – in an ironic twist, Denis’ 12 year old sister Abigail broke her right collar-bone on Thursday while practising on her pony for the Maple Ridge Presidents Cup.
Abigail had her operation on Friday – 24 hours before her brother broke the very same bone on the same side.
“We have to look at the bright side. I have two one-armed bandits that have invaded the house. I’m hoping to negotiate some discount with the doctors,” laughed Pieter as he thanked the Sporting Post, and the industry at large, for the interest and kind wishes.
Denis, who has had his fair share of knocks and injuries, has ridden 27 winners this season so far.
He won the Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup in 2019 on Zillzaal and enjoys the rare distinction of being a handful of jockeys to have ridden the jackpot on one afternoon. That was back in December 2017 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
