Queensland jockeys in recovery after Ipswich fall

Queensland-based jockey Mark Du Plessis has undergone surgery for a fractured leg, while apprentice Jace McMurray is expected to miss up to two months following a three-horse fall at Ipswich on Thursday.

The incident occurred in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1700m), with Flop Shot (Boris Thornton) and Interro (McMurray) falling before Du Plessis and Maurita were caught in the incident.

Du Plessis was transported to hospital and underwent orthopaedic surgery over the weekend, with a return date to the saddle yet to be determined by medicos.

McMurray, 18, is recovering at home after scans confirmed fractured ribs, a punctured lung and a minor T4 vertebrae fracture, with a medical review scheduled in six weeks.

The injury has interrupted McMurray’s Brisbane apprentice premiership campaign, with the second-placed rider having recorded 16 wins and 27 placings from 113 starts, while Boris Thornton is awaiting an MRI scan on his knee to determine when he can resume riding.