Jockey Angela Johnston due to leave hospital after observation following Cup day fall at Geraldton Turf Club

Reuben Carder & Michael RobertsGeraldton Guardian
Camera IconAngela Johnston. Credit: Supplied

A rider who suffered a fall at Geraldton Turf Club on Melbourne Cup day was due to leave hospital on Thursday.

Racing and Wagering WA said in statements that it had been in touch with South West-based jockey Angela Johnston, pictured, who fell from What Planet You On after the finishing post in race three.

“Angela is out of hospital, and she’s OK,” a RWWA spokesperson said.

RWWA said it had been in touch with Johnston throughout her stay in hospital, where she was kept for two nights for observation, and she had been in good spirits.

It is understood she did not suffer any significant injuries.

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The ride on the six-year-old mare, trained by prominent Walkaway local Graeme Hammarquist, had been Johnston’s first on the day.

Camera IconAngela Johnston received medical care while on the turf before being placed in the ambulance. Credit: Reuben Carder/Geraldton Guardian, Reuben Carder

The fall happened after the finishing post in race three with Johnston crashing to the turf, where she remained motionless.

An ambulance crew were on the scene within a short time and provided medical attention before placing her in the ambulance on a stretcher.

A St John Ambulance spokesperson said Tuesday following the incident a woman in her 20s had been taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital in a stable condition.

RWWA racing integrity manager Denis Borovica said there were standard procedures around when jockeys suffered a fall.

“Every race meeting in WA is required to have a doctor and an ambulance on course and available whenever jockeys are mounted on horses,” Mr Borovica said.

“A doctor and paramedics examine any rider who has fallen, check for injuries and confirm whether or not they are clear to continue riding.

The highest importance is placed on the opinions of the medical experts.”

He said any rider who was stood down for racing for medical reasons would need to submit a medical clearance before they could resume race riding.

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