Jockey D K Ashish (29), who was critically injured after falling from a horse on December 19, died today at a city hospital, officials of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) said.
Ashish, who hailed from Pune, was riding Bold As Brave while participating in the Calcutta OAKS and fell off as he was taking the last home turn during the race on Saturday last. He was rushed to a city hospital with severe injuries.
"Doctors tried their best, but could not save Ashish, who passed away at the wee hours today. His relatives have been informed," said RCTC vice-president Robin Corner.
Reacting to the demise of Ashish, Farley Rodrigues, a trainer at RCTC said, "It is a very sad news. He was a young and a promising jockey. We will miss him."
Trainers Daniel David said Vikash Jaiswal condoled the death of Ashish and said though accidents were part of any kind of sport, yet the sudden demise of a fine jockey like Ashish and the void left by him would be felt.
Expressing shock over the untimely death of D K Ashish, RCTC trainer Manvendra Singh said, "I had personally seen to it that Ashish came to RCTC from Pune and ride my horses. He had last taken the winning lap on my horse Say You Say Me and was eager to ride it again. It's unfortunate that he will not be there when my horse will again gallop on the circuit.
