Beau Mertens escapes serious injury in nasty fall

Former champion apprentice, now leading jockey Beau Martens narrowly escaped serious injury at Caulfield on Sunday when his mount crashed to the ground in the closing stages of the Davies Handicap.

Mertens, who was aboard last-start winner Orient Line, was angling for a run inside the final 200m when his mount clipped the heels of the horse in front, resulting in a nasty fall.

Grave concerns were held for Mertens, who has become one of Australia's most successful young jockeys in recent years. However, the 20-year-old complained only of knee soreness.

Sadly, the injuries Orient Line received in the incident meant that veterinary surgeons had to euthanise the horse.

Orient Line was a winning chance prior to the fall.

Those who spoke to Mertens after the incident reported that it was only his left knee that was of any concern.

"He is conscious and complaining mostly of a sore knee. He'll be taken to hospital to be checked right out," a Melbourne Racing Club spokesman said.

The incident was particularly nasty as it was so close to the viewing audience at the Caulfield racetrack.

Security officers and officials kept the crowd back, including a number of families.

The winner of the Davies Handicap was the promising Widgee Turf, who registered his third straight metropolitan success.

Article courtesy of Fairfax Digital and The Sydney Morning Herald