Wayton Van Staden
The MR 72 Apprentice Handicap at Scottsville today was marred by a shocking accident at the 200m when the pacemaking Auto Pilot tired and fell back through runners and came down heavily in the hands of apprentice Wayton Van Staden.
Auto Pilot appeared to clip the heels of the horse in front of him and somesaulted with Van Staden being thrown under hooves.
Van Staden was taken to hospital for x rays as a precautionary measure and appears to have a shoulder injury.
The race was won by the 20 to 1 outsider Sacred Jewel who was ridden by Mathew Thackeray. It was the young rider’s third career win.
In a bizarre twist to the race, commentator Sheldon Peters called the final 100m duel between Sacred Jewel and Trendy Guy and let his emotions slip with a shout of ‘go Sacred Jewel’ as they hit the line.
No guessing who he backed.
Further news regarding Van Staden will follow as it becomes available.
