Brain surgery for NZ jockey after race fall

Shane Dye

Champion jockey Shane Dye is recovering from brain surgery after he fell during a race in Hong Kong.

He had earlier been reported to be fighting for his life.

By a fortunate twist of fate, Dye was accompanied in the ambulance by renowned neurosurgeon Wai Pin, who was acting as a substitute doctor at the race meeting.

The NZ-born rider fell from a horse trained by another Kiwi - Hong Kong-based Paul O'Sullivan - during a race at Sha Tin racecourse on Sunday.

Dye was riding Ambitious Marju when he bumped into Master Able, the Apple Daily paper reported.

The collision caused a neighbouring horse, Metro Leader, to collapse and bring down rider Anthony Delpech of South Africa.

New Zealand Hall of Fame trainer Dave O'Sullivan said last night he had spoken to Paul O'Sullivan, his son.

"He said Shane had improved a lot and was out of the danger zone at this stage.

"It sounds like things are very much on the improve. The news is pretty good," he said.

Earlier, a Hong Kong Jockey Club spokeswoman said Dye was conscious while being treated at the scene, but lapsed into unconsciousness on his way to the hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

The South China Morning Post said scans revealed he was suffering from bleeding on the brain and he underwent surgery to relieve the pressure.

- NZPA