Dubai: The New Year will a special one for young jockey William Buick who is likely to be discharged from hospital today after being treated for concussion and superficial injures as a result of a terrifying fall at Meydan Racecourse on Thursday night.
Buick, 22, was submitted to a full body and MRI scan at Rashid Hospital's trauma centre before doctors concluded that he had not suffered any serious injuries or broken bones during the incident.
However, he will be kept in observation for the next 24-hours before he is expected to be released on New Year's day.
According to visitors, including his retaining trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam and his brother Karthi, the Clerk of the Scales at the Jebel Ali Racecourse, Buick was in an upbeat mood this morning.
"He's quite shaken up by what happened but was in high spirits this morning," said Karthi. "Thankfully he hasn't suffered any serious injuries given the extreme nature of the fall at Meydan racecourse. He's feeling a bit sore but that's to be expected as he had quite a serious tumble."
Observation period
"He's looking forward to being discharged as soon as possible and doctors have assured him that he will be released once he has completed the mandatory 24-hour observation period.
Buick had two unusual falls on a cold and chilly night at Meydan and neither of them were a result of his riding.
Following close viewing of the television replays on the ERA website, it appeared that on both occasions he was forced to take evasive action when pressed for space on the rails.
In the first he came off Sarbola but was passed fit to ride again by the ERA medical expert, but suffered a scary second crash through the inside rail after his mount Foolin Myself stumbled and fell heavily.
Buick passed out and was rushed by ambulance to Rashid Hospital where he spent the night and underwent emergency treatment.
Buick was born in Norway but holds dual British and Danish citizenship. He is considered one of the most exciting riders in the sport and is best remembered by UAE racing fans for producing a stellar ride on Da Re Mi to land the $5 million (Dh18.3 million) Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) on Dubai World Cup night.
World-class status
In August he confirmed his status as a world class jockey when scoring Group one wins on both sides of the Atlantic within the space of 24 hours.
He first won the Arlington Million aboard Debussy for retaining trainer John Gosden before flying out to France where 16 hours later he landed the Prix Morny with Dream Ahead for Dubai owner Khalifa Bin Dasmal.
Bin Dasmal, who is also an officiating Steward, was present at Meydan on Thursday night and wished the young Buick a speedy recovery.
"He's a very fine jockey, I hope he has a speedy recovery and can get back to doing what he loves most — riding," he said.
