(left )She's a Diamond #4 with jockey Dal Smith, has to take evasive action while #3 Quiet Storm throws off its jockey, I. Spence, after #5 La Chica Bonita (on ground) fell and broke her leg in race #6. Lying beside her is her rider Paul Francis.
( right ) Members of staff at Caymanas Park look on at La Chica Bonita who fell and broke her leg in race # 6.
PHOTOGRAPHER'S FINAL COMMENTS
On Saturday, I saw one of the most dramatic events unfold right in front of my eyes, when one of the favourites to win race #6 at Caymans Park - La Chica Bonita - leading the field with jockey Paul Francis aboard, fell and broke her leg just metres from the winning post.
But what struck me was at that moment there was this hush at the track that if you dropped a pin you could hear it. I mean everyone was concerned. Even jockeys competing in the race, looked back seeming not to care about the result.
Luckily, the Jockey was fine but the horse had to be put down. Track authorities and staff were quickly on the scene to attend to Francis and La Chica.
Even more surprising was the fact that after such a blow, jockey Paul Francis did what many a man would not attempt. He rode in the next race placing fourth, and came back in the eighth race to win aboard American Gal. This showed a lot of character by Francis because not many would mount again so quickly after such an experience.
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to