Jockey seriously injured in fall
Apprentice jockey Masaji Haruki faces a long recovery from a serious neck injury suffered at Riccarton on Saturday.
Haruki, attached to the Kevin and Pam Hughes stable, fell when his mount Android suffered a serious injury and was destroyed in the second last race of the day.
Kevin Hughes confirmed that the Japanese native has at least one broken vertebrae in his neck. He said the injury was serious but it looked as though Haruki would make a full recovery.
Haruki is rarely seen without a smile on his face and although there will be some challenges ahead Hughes is backing him to ride again.
He described the jockey as a ‘‘tough little bugger with a positive attitude’’.
‘‘Considering what he’s going through he’s in good spirits,’’ he said.
Haruki, 32, has ridden 17 winners in New Zealand and his career has flourished since joining the Hughes stable just under a year ago.
He has ridden the likes of Starlight Angel, Super Trouper, Maybe Miami and Pat In Brackets in races and trials.
Hughes said the injury could not have come at the worst time.
‘‘It’s just so frustrating for him as he had so may good opportunities coming up and he has been riding so well.
‘‘But when he comes back we will have another go again and build him back up.’’
Hughes said Haruki was a great worker around the stables and the horses loved him.
Stipendiary stewards have opened an inquiry into the incident and took evidence from six riders but the investigation has been adjourned until Haruki can be interviewed.
Earlier in the day, the Hughes’ golden run continued when Maybe Miami picked up his third consecutive win.
Raced by Barry Thomas, the Iffraaj four-year-old was aided by a Chris Johnson special in the rating 75 over 1200m as he snuck down the rail to win by two and three quarter lengths.
‘‘I was really impressed with him because that was his first time against the older horses,’’ Hughes said.
‘‘I’m really pleased for Barry (Thomas), I don’t think he can quite believe it’s happening.’’
Hughes said there is not a heap of immediate opportunities around for Maybe Miami or classy midweek winner The Browne Keeper but they could feature in the spring if the tracks have some give in them.
Lisa Latta picked up a double on Saturday, including Our Gazza’s win in the $40,000 Winter Classic.
Latta said the 9 millimetres of rain overnight that left the track a slow 8 was a massive help to the Handsome Ransom gelding’s cause.
Our Gazza thrived over the 1800m after finishing 10th in the Group III Winter Cup over 1600m seven days earlier.
He just held out a fast finishing Miss Three Stars.