Jockey Shane Kelly in horror high-speed crash through rails in fatal fall

Jockey Shane Kelly was assessed by medics following a high-speed fall in a fatal incident at Brighton Racecourse.

The rider crashed through the railings when 11-8 favourite Finvarra came down in a race on Tuesday evening.

Following the accident, which happened three furlongs from the finish, Kelly was stretchered into a nearby ambulance before being taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Sadly his mount, the winner of two races at the track this season, was fatally injured.

On race footage the crowd could be heard reacting in shock to the heavy fall, which the commentator called a 'terrible incident.'

Pat Cosgrave, who was riding Pure Purfection, had to swerve on his horse to avoid Kelly as he fell.

Clerk of the course Philip Hide told the Racing Post : "The news with Shane is that he's gone off to Royal Sussex County Hospital for further observation.

"He's conscious and speaking, but he's gone for further checks because the hospital is so local."

Kelly had ridden Finvarra, a horse who was trained in Wales by Evan Williams, to victory during his previous trip to the Sussex venue.

Racing fans sent their sympathies to connections following their loss in division one of the Follow @attheraces On Twitter Handicap.

Beau Geste (7-1) went on to take the contest from outsiders Kerrera (22-1) and Pure Purfection (33-1).

Kelly was due to be back in action this evening at Wolverhampton, where he has a ride booked in the 8.45 contest.

Only a few weeks ago he had celebrated his first Royal Ascot triumph aboard Rohaan in the Wokingham Handicap.

He also rode the vastly improved sprinter, part-owned by Crystal Palace footballer James Tomkins, when he scored at huge odds of 33-1 at Haydock.

Kelly has ridden in the UK since 2000 and in that time he has had in excess of 1,000 winners.

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