Racing was cancelled after the incident at the Hapi Jockey Club meeting in Padre Garcia, the Philippines only racecourse, in which Elvin Abrea’s horse appeared to clip the heels of another runner
A jockey has tragically died after falling off his horse and then getting trampled over during a horse race. Elvin Abrea, who was 32, was riding in the sixth race of the Hapi Jockey Club meeting in Padre Garcia, the only racecourse in the Philippines on Saturday which has only been operating since November.
He was aboard Fly With The Wind racing among the seven runner field when, as he shifted right, his mount appeared to clip the heels of the horse in front of him. As Fly With The Wind tripped, Abrea was thrown heavily to the ground and then a horse that was following close behind them galloped over him as he lay on the track.
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The local stewards report said: “Approaching the 1000 meter marker. EA Abrea (Fly With The Wind) was unseated.
“Stewards observed that Fly With The Wind clipped the heels of the horse (Magnolia Ariana) in front of him. JL Paano when asked explained that he did not feel anything and his mount was running a straight path.”
The Philippine Jockey Club later announced that Abrea, who had ridden one winner since the track opened, had not survived the incident.
An official statement said: “The Philippine Jockey Club mourns the passing of jockey Abrea, who sadly passed away following a riding incident.
“We extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones, fellow jockeys, trainers and the entire racing community.
“Jockey Abrea’s dedication, bravery, and passion for horse racing will be remembered with respect and gratitude.
“During this time of profound loss, the Philippine Jockey Club stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the racing community as we honour his life and service to the sport. Rest in peace, jockey Elvin Abrea.”
The meeting on Sunday was cancelled with racing commissioners saying that Abrea’s death had left a ‘deeply sombre’ atmosphere among the racing community.
