Jockey Ben Melham has been transported to hospital following a fall soon after jumping from the barriers at Caulfield Heath.
The fall has put Melham’s ride aboard Malkovich in the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday in jeopardy.
Racing Victoria stewards reported Melham was being transported to hospital with a suspected leg fracture following a fall from Heed The Deed in the Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (1600m).
Heed The Deed jumped with the field, but appeared to shift out abruptly, dislodging Melham, before the riderless horse went on to cross the line in front of official winner Chihuly.
Fiancée Jamie Kah rushed to Melham’s side after weighing in aboard the seventh placed High Five.
Melham missed racing over summer after undergoing surgery on a problem hip but had been riding in good form since his return, including victory in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Cascadian last month.
Melham is due to ride at Pakenham on Thursday night before flying to Perth on Friday for The Quokka meeting at Ascot on Saturday.