Veteran jockey Shane McGovern, aged 67, underwent amputation of both legs following a tragic incident at his stables in Charters Towers, North Queensland, Australia.
The Incident
On April 8, McGovern conducted routine trackwork when his horse, Reformist, suddenly collapsed and died, pinning him underneath for six hours. His wife, Kim, discovered him and emergency services rushed him to the hospital. The prolonged entrapment severed blood flow to his legs, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and multiple broken ribs.
Medical Condition and Recovery
The Australian Jockeys Association shared a poignant update on X: “A devastating update on QLD jockey Shane McGovern, unfortunately Shane has now had both his legs amputated. We are sending all our prayers and love to you Shane and your family. Keep fighting Shane.”
Kevin Ring, the organization’s health and safety officer, indicated that McGovern, who secured over 200 victories in 1,885 race appearances, remains in Townsville Hospital and may require additional surgeries.
“He’s in recovery at the moment and he had a good night afterwards apparently,” Ring stated. “He’s sedated of course, but he’s going to have to have other operations I would suggest. They can do amazing things these days, so as long as he’s got some quality of life, that’s the main thing. It’s going to be a long slog with rehab.”
Cause of the Collapse
The nine-year-old horse Reformist suffered an aneurysm during standard exercise, leading to the fatal collapse.
Community Support
Racing Queensland contributed $50,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for McGovern, with the Queensland Jockeys’ Association adding $5,000. The fundraiser has raised nearly $77,000.
Fundraising organizers noted: “At age 67, Shane has dedicated his entire working life to our industry and for it to be changed in this way through this accident is incredibly confronting for him and for his wife Kim. Shane will be facing a long time in hospital and will then need many months of rehabilitation. It is a total disruptor to a life that he and his wife Kim had built over decades around their horse training and riding lives.”
