Apprentice Julius Maponya was injured in a fall at Ashburton yesterday morning and was stretchered off to hospital with suspected neck injuries.

Maponya, a graduate of James Maree’s riding academy and a first year apprentice at the South African Jockey’s Academy, was riding work on the grass track.

His mount clipped heels as it ducked in behind it’s working companion dislodging Maponya who fell awkwardly.

He was taken by ambulance to Medi Clinic Hospital in Pietermaritzburg in a stable condition.

By Andrew Harrison