Group 1-winning jockey Declan Bates will be out of the saddle for an indefinite period after sustaining serious injuries in a fall at Monday’s Ballarat jumpouts.
Bates was taken to hospital for tests after complaining of back soreness following a fall on Monday morning.
• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
The Victorian Jockeys’ Association confirmed on Tuesday that Bates had suffered a fractured pelvis and sacrum, a bone at the base of the spine.
Bates also has a possible fracture of his T4 vertebrae but that is yet to be confirmed.
The VJA advised Bates would not require surgery to repair the damage at this stage.
• Racing’s revival: How the Spring Carnival lured back fans
Bates recently passed the 700-win milestone and rode the Gavin Bedggood-trained Eagle Angel to victory at last Friday night’s Cranbourne meeting.
The Irishman has ridden 30 winners this season, including an emotional win on Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on November 1.
Originally published as Jockey Declan Bates sidelined indefinitely after suffering multiple serious fractures in Ballarat jumpout fall
