There are serious fears for former Gippsland picnic jockey Shane McGovern, who remains in an induced coma in Townsville Hospital after a horrific accident at his Queensland stables last week.
McGovern, 67, and his wife, Kim, were prominent figures in South Gippsland racing for many years, training at the Stony Creek Racing Club. One of McGovern’s career highlights on the Victorian picnic circuit was his 2009 Woolamai Cup victory aboard the $21 outsider Palisander, trained by Kim.
The couple relocated to Queensland years ago, where Shane became a regular fixture on the outback circuit, frequently competing at iconic meets such as Mount Isa and Birdsville.
The accident occurred during trackwork at the couple’s Charters Towers stables, more than 130km southwest of Townsville. McGovern’s nine-year-old gelding, Reformist, reportedly suffered a fatal aneurysm and collapsed, pinning the veteran horseman underneath. McGovern remained trapped for six hours before he was discovered by his wife.
Australian Jockeys’ Association health and safety officer Kevin Ring confirmed that McGovern suffered severe nerve damage due to the prolonged loss of blood circulation.
“There’s a possibility he may lose one or both legs,” Mr. Ring said.
McGovern has already undergone surgery on his thighs. In a small but positive sign, he was briefly conscious before being placed back into an induced coma to assist his recovery.
