A jockey was left requiring medical attention after a horse headbutted him in the face and sent him flying to the ground.
Micheal Hellyer has given an update on his condition after being smashed in his visage by the mutinous steed.
The savage blow was dealt in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia and left spectators in the parade ring fearing for Hellyer’s health.
As he settled onto the horse, the animal flung its head back, smashing the back of its skull into Hellyer’s unsuspecting face.
To make matters worse, the mount then reared on its hind legs, causing Hellyer to slump to the ground, but by that time he was seemingly out cold anyway.
The circulating clip cuts off just before Hellyer hits the ground, but it appears as if he hit the floor head first.
A jockey was headbutted by a horse within a moment of mounting it in the parade ring
Micheal Hellyer was flung off by the rebellious steed and has issued a health update
The Aston Villa fan told his concerned followers that he just had a ‘busted lip and concussion’
Breaking his silence on the viral accident, Hellyer, who is an Aston Villa fan, said: ‘Thank you to everyone that reached out.
‘Very lucky to have come away with just a busted lip and concussion
‘Looking forward to being back in the saddle in a couple of weeks.’
Fans wished him a speedy recovery while others shared their own tales of injuries inflicted by their rides.
Tim Carroll, a presenter for Sky Sports Racing, said: ‘Anyone that’s ever been whacked like this will tell you, it does hurt.
‘Half a chance that whack in the head was enough to knock Micheal out before he hit the deck.
‘Good to hear he’s okay.’
