UNLUCKY JOCKEY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 141, 5 September 1927, Page 12

UNLUCKY JOCKEY

FALLS HARD EVERY TIME LATEST CRASH SERIOUS The mantle of the unluckiest jockey riding at A.R.C. meetings must fall on T. McKenzie, who was admitted to St, Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, a fortnight ago, as the result of a fall at Victoria Park.

Other riders have had more spills, but McKenzie has the misfortune to meet with serious injury almost every time a horse on which he is riding puts a foot wrong. Guinane, riding Llanfillio, who also fell, escaped all injury; McKenzie was said to be in a serious condition the night after the accident. McKenzie’s riding has not been confined solely to local courses, for he alternates between Melbourne and Sydney, and his unfortunate experiences have occurred in both States. BEFORE THE CROWD

The ill-luck that has dogged his career as a jockey, which in spite of all has been successful, commenced at Kensington several years ago when he was the victim of a serious spill right in front of the stand. McKenzie was so badly knocked about that there was a doubt as to whether he would pull through, but after being unconscious for days he started on the road to recovery.

Of that spill, however, he retained a distinct memory, for a plate had to be placed in his head. For a long time McKenzie did not ride, and when he did return to the saddle it seemed that his luck had taken a change for the better. For at least three years McKenzie failed to come into contact with the ground in any unorthodox manner, but the spell broke in Melbourne last year. BOWLED OVER

He was riding Miss York at Ascot, and was well up at the turn, when the mare got on to the heels of another runner and fell in front of practically the whole field. McKenzie was rolled along by the hoofs of several horses, and when he was taken to the paddock unconscious it appeared that he had again suffered serious injury. He didn’t, but the experience was probably the most remarkable of his career. When he regained consciousness he had temporarily lost his memory. He had no recollection of ever riding in the race, and could not remember even having heard of a horse named Miss York. LUCK DEAD OUT

McKenzie had a harmless fall from Miss Aleconner early this year at Victoria Park, but his luck on that course did not hold this time. Soon after the start, in the first division of the Encourage, The White Diamond, who was in the middle of the field, fell, and Llanfillio came down after him. In the mix-up that followed the accident. McKenzie was apparently struck by a horse galloping immediately after his mount, and did not move after the field had passed him. Guinane, on Llanfillio. was able to get up and walk away without assistance. McKenzie was taken to the casualty room and from there to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where he was found to be suffering injuries to the chest, abrasions and shock. The full extent of his injuries, however, had not been ascertained. When McKenzie recovers he might well consider the advisability of giving riding best. Three serious aceidert? are not compensated by any num'i'r of winners.