Latest update on horrific Mildura crash

POPULAR horsemen Alex Ashwood and David Smith will spend an extended time on the sidelines following an horrific fall in Mldura last night.

Ashwood and Smith were part of four reinsman involved in the crash, but is the only two to sustain serious injuries.

Although thrown from their sulkies, Aaron Dunn and Ryan Sanderson were cleared by on-course medical officers, while David Smith was taken to hospital as a precaution where he was later found to be suffering from a broken wrist and back fracture.

Smith’s wrist will require surgery, with his back to be monitored and assessed.

Catapulted into the air, Smith landed hard on his sulky shaft before showing tremendous horsemanship to regain control of his drive despite his injuries.

Also launched out of the cart, Ashwood ‘face-planted’ onto the track which resulted in a fractured nose, deep laceration to his mouth and severe facial bruising.

Ashwood also suffered a fractured wrist and hairline fractures to his lower back, which will require “a few operations”.

“My heart was in my hand when he fell,” Ashwood’s partner, Tayla French said. “He has some fractures and is quite sore, but he is in good spirits.

“He will need a few operations and has a long road ahead for recovery.”

All horses were cleared of serious injury.