Apprentice rider Pinnock counting his lucky stars

Promising apprentice jockey Youville Pinnock says he is very lucky to be alive today after a near-death experience at Caymanas Park on Saturday, August 15.

Pinnock fell from his mount SUPER MAL after the horse broke one of its legs at the furlong post in the 800-metre race.

Pinnock was quickly assisted by the racetrack’s medical personnel before he was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where it was revealed that he had suffered only minor injuries.

“It was a terrible experience for me because this is the first time that a horse has broken one of his legs with me on him,” said Pinnock.

“It was a near-death experience because I could have lost my life on the track,” he said.

“I did some X-rays, and thanks be to God that nowhere was broken and it is just that the tissues were torn apart in my shoulder and my back,” Pinnock said.

“I got some medications from the doctor that I have been taking, and so day by day, I am feeling better and better.”

The 23-year-old Pinnock, who hails from Clarendon, has won nine races so far. He started riding as an apprentice jockey in December 2019.

He added that last weekend’s incident has served as a wake-up call for him because he is now going to be a lot more cautious whenever he enters the racetrack.

“I am fretting and unsure whether I want to go back to ride, but I just have to take this out of mind, regroup, and return stronger,” Pinnock said. “This has taught me to ride properly and to have a stronger hold on the horses and, whenever I mount up, to feel them out if they are sound or not,” he said. Pinnock underscored that the injuries will keep him out of action for another three weeks. He also noted that the racetrack surface is in a very bad condition and is in need of urgent attention.

“I think that the track needs to be graded because, basically, there is no sand on the track,” said Pinnock. “It is actually tough. Most of the good horses are having problems as the track is not 100 per cent,” he said.