Jockey Same James required treatment on the course before being stretchered into an ambulance
09:20, 06 Sep 2025Updated 09:21, 06 Sep 2025
Jockey Sam James (L), pictured in 2023, was rushed to hospital after an accident at Ascot Races(Image: Getty Images)
Jockey Sam James was taken to hospital following a serious incident at Ascot on Friday which tragically claimed the life of another horse.
The drama unfolded in the closing Sodexo Live! Handicap when favourite Excellent Echo, ridden by Oisin Murphy, clipped heels and came down. The fall brought down Nordic Norm, partnered by James.
Murphy was quickly back on his feet and escaped injury, but James required several minutes of treatment on the track before being stretchered into an ambulance and transferred to hospital.
Ascot later confirmed he was conscious when leaving the course.
Nordic Norm was assessed by vets for cuts and scratches, while Excellent Echo sustained a broken leg.
The stricken three-year-old tried to continue up the track before being met by handlers near the winning post.
Black screens were erected and, despite the arrival of a veterinary ambulance, the injuries proved fatal.
A statement from Ascot read: “Unfortunately, following an incident during the seventh race today, Excellent Echo suffered a fatal injury.
“His jockey, Oisin Murphy, walked in and was fine.
“Nordic Norm was taken to the stables for further assessment with cuts and scratches.
“His jockey, Sam James, was conscious and treated by medical teams on the track and has been transferred to the hospital for further assessment.”
The race itself was eventually won by Forty Years On, ridden by Callum Shepherd, but the result was completely overshadowed by the distressing scenes.