Jockey Lachlan Scorse fighting for life after Manning Valley Race Club fall

A jockey is in an induced coma and two others have been hospitalised after a mid-race collision at a racecourse in northern New South Wales.

Jockey Lachlan Scorse was injured after his horse collapsed during a race at Manning Valley Race Club in Taree yesterday.

In a statement, Racing NSW confirmed four jockeys and their horses collided after Scorse’s horse fell when it was 400 metres from the finishing line. The incident led to three riders being hospitalised.

Scorse was treated by paramedics at the club and later airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he was placed in an induced coma.

Scorse’s horse, Balzando, was later euthanased on the track due to its injuries.

Jockey Jeff Penza suffered fractured ribs, an injury to his lung and concussion from the crash, while fellow racer Courtney Van de Werf has undergone scans for a suspected fractured collarbone.

The fourth jockey did not require hospitalisation.

Scorse hails from a racing family that spans multiple generations.

His father, Mathew Scorse, is a jockey with 298 career wins while his grandfather, Alan Scorse, enjoyed success as a competitive jockey and trainer in Newcastle.  

Investigation to begin

Manning Valley Race Club chief executive, Damian Toose, said stewards from Racing NSW would conduct an investigation into the collision on Sunday.

“[Racing NSW] will look at all horses involved,” Mr Toose said.  

Andrew Ackerman, who represents jockey Courtney Van Der Werf, said she was in a stable condition.

“She’s having X-rays on her collarbone … they’re looking to get surgery over the next few days and then we’ll work out how long she’ll be out for,” Mr Ackerman said. 

“It is something that comes with racing. My thoughts went straight to the horses, jockeys and their families.”

NSW Jockeys Association chief executive, Tony Crisafi, said the fall was testament to the dangers of the sport. 

“It happens too often,” he said.