59-Year-Old Veteran Jockey Fractures Leg in Closing Weekend of Equestrian Fair

Sports that involve animals hold their own unique charm and are admired immensely. But these sports also come with their fair share of risks, which cannot be ignored. Equestrian is also not an exception when it comes to the danger of fateful injuries or even the threat of life. Whether it is the horses or the jockeys, there is always a risk of injury, which can lead to some fateful outcomes. Individuals who are involved in equestrian activities frequently find themselves in vulnerable situations.

One such incident unfolded during the Humboldt County Fair when a famed jockey injured his leg during a race. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and was scheduled to undergo surgery.

Another catastrophic equestrian incident

As per a report in the Times Standard, the accident happened during the sixth race of the fair, when 59-year-old Robert Webb fractured his right leg. He was riding Madame Causeway, who overturned behind the starting gate and ended up on this jockey. This did not end there as four horses became unruly either at the beginning of the gate or behind the gates. Along with Madame Causeway, three other horses, namely Kimberly’s Devil, A Lotta Nerve, and Abbey Oops, were scratched. This also resulted in the seven-horse field being cut down to only three participants.

All this chaos began when Kimberly’s Devil flipped while being taken to the gate. Subsequently, Lotta Nerve also displayed the same behavior, triggering a chain reaction that affected Abbey Oops and several other horses. As a result, all the horses were scratched following the vet’s instructions. This chain of events ultimately led to Webb fracturing his leg. He was later transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka, where he is scheduled for leg surgery in the upcoming days. This renowned equestrian jockey will need time to recover and wait a few days before returning to the track to continue adding to his already remarkable career achievements.

Webb’s Career and Statistics

Webb made his equestrian debut in 1981 and has since become a multiple stakes winner. He has won 999 races out of 7616 starts and placed second in 1026 of them. In 2023, he participated in 12 races, finishing second in five of them and earning $10,904. His overall career earnings amount to approximately $2,478,163. His career peaked in 2003, during which he won 116 races out of 588 starts, secured second place in 113 races, and amassed earnings exceeding $386,292. He maintained a win percentage of 20 percent and a WPS (Win-Place-Show) rate of 54 percent.

Read More: “Hope for a Speedy Recovery”, Tragic Incident Unfolds, Equestrian Rider Injured as Horse Passes Away at Kentucky State Fair Show

Equestrian sports, while captivating and admired, carry inherent risks that can result in unfortunate accidents. The incident at Humboldt County Fair underscores the vulnerability faced by both jockeys and horses. The injury sustained by renowned jockey Robert Webb serves as a stark reminder of the challenges these athletes may encounter, further emphasizing the intricacies of this dynamic sport.

Watch This Story: Love Island Star Olivia Bowen in Tears as She Explains Her ‘Scary’ Horse Riding Incident