Top Jockey’s Finger Bitten Off by Racehorse in Shocking Accident

A freak accident has left Australia’s top jockey, James Orman, with the tip of his finger bitten clean off by a racehorse during routine trackwork in Queensland.

The 27-year-old was removing a tongue tie from Prince Of Boom, a gelding trained by Rob Heathcote, when the horse snapped. The bite not only tore off the fingertip of Orman’s right index finger but also fractured the bone beneath.

“It happened so fast,” Orman said. “One moment I was taking off the tongue tie, and the next, my finger was gone. I felt it instantly.”

An image of Orman’s bloodied finger, shared by broadcaster Steve Hewlett, shocked racing fans. “I just spoke with James,” Hewlett wrote. “The top of his finger is gone. He’s on his way to surgery now.”

Doctors are evaluating whether the fingertip can be reattached. Even if successful, the injury is a huge blow to Orman’s season and could sideline him for months.

This couldn’t have come at a worse time for Orman, Queensland’s leading jockey. Known for his fierce rivalry with Western Australia’s William Pike, Orman was gunning for another shot at being Australia’s top jockey after finishing second last season.

Now, his injury puts his participation in January’s lucrative Magic Millions Carnival in serious doubt.

“Missing Magic Millions would be devastating,” Orman admitted. “It’s the highlight of the racing calendar.”

This isn’t the first time jockeys have faced off-track dangers. From horse bites to freak falls, the job comes with constant risks. Removing tongue ties—a standard part of horse maintenance—might seem routine, but as this incident shows, even seasoned professionals aren’t immune to danger.

Racing experts are now calling for better safety measures. “This is a stark reminder of how dangerous the sport is, even off the track,” Hewlett said.

Orman isn’t the only top jockey out of action. His rival, William Pike, is recovering from a broken wrist after falling off an E-scooter. Pike, who has already missed time this year due to a heel injury, could be out for another two months.

With both stars sidelined, the race for the national jockey premiership is wide open.

For now, Orman’s focus is on recovery. “I’ll be back,” he promised. “This is a setback, but it’s not the end.”

Fans and industry insiders are hopeful for his return, but his absence will surely shake up the competition in the months ahead.