Apprentice jockey Jack Dace was hospitalized and a horse was euthanized following a severe two-runner collision during the 3:56 p.
m. Flat race at Brighton Racecourse on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The incident occurred four furlongs from the finish line when Virtue Chastity, trained by Amanda Perrett and ridden by Dace, clipped heels and fell, subsequently bringing down Gretna Dreams and jockey Ashley Lewis.
While Lewis walked away unhurt, Dace was transported to a local hospital, and Virtue Chastity was humanely destroyed due to a fractured shoulder, according to officials.
Officials and Riders Comment on the Incident
Brighton clerk of the course Jack Hastings detailed the condition of those involved and the tragic loss of the filly.
"Ashley is okay, but Jack has been taken to hospital in an ambulance. He is conscious, but he'll be getting further assessments.
We did sadly lose Virtue Chastity, who sustained a fractured shoulder. We had to wait a little while, as we didn't know if she was winded," Hastings said.
Hastings further noted that video replays indicated the fall stemmed from a minor misstep between the horses.
"From the footage, it appears to have happened because of clipped heels. Gretna Dreams is back in the stables.
She was okay, but she will be assessed by the vets," he added.
Rider Ashley Lewis described the sudden nature of the fall on the track as he attempted to steer clear of Dace.
"I'm not really too sure [what happened].
I gave my filly a squeeze, and she was nowhere near Jack, but I saw his horse come down in front of me.
I tried to come out to the side, but I wasn't quick enough. I tried to move out but I was already on top," Lewis said.
Sky Sports Racing presenter Matt Chapman provided an immediate broadcast update on the status of the track and the fallen riders.
"We've had a really horrible incident with two horses coming down the hill in our last race," Chapman said.
Chapman shared encouraging details regarding Dace's initial responsiveness before the jockey left for further medical examinations.
"Jack Dace is conscious, he's breathing, which is obviously the best news.
All his limbs are working, and he's been sent to the local hospital, just for a check-up as much as anything.
So that sounds pretty hopeful, but of course, you can just never tell with these kind of injuries," Chapman said.
Spectators on social media reacted strongly to the visual impact of the accident during the race, which was won by Oj Lifestyle.
"Never seen a horse flip like that on the flat," one anonymous witness wrote on social media.
Another observer expressed distress over the review of the race footage.
"Just saw the replay of the incident that happened at Brighton in the 3:56, looked a very nasty clip of heels and the aftermath that unfolded was not pretty in the slightest!"
a racing spectator posted on X.
Racing account Paddock Preview also extended sentiments to those involved while track operations were temporarily paused.
"Horrible incident at Brighton as two horses and jockeys come down during a Flat race.
Thoughts with all concerned and fingers crossed for a good outcome," Paddock Preview wrote on social media.
