'I feel like I've been hit by a bus' - Ben Curtis back home after horror fall

Ben Curtis said he felt like he had been "hit by a bus" but was okay after a horrific fall from Fortultous at Wolverhampton on Tuesday.

The three-year-old was brought down rounding the final bend in the 1m4f handicap, the last race on the card, after Villanelle clipped heels with a rival and unseated Rob Hornby, but fortunately both horses and jockeys were okay.

Ben Curtis: has ridden 170 winners in 2020Credit: Edward Whitaker

"I feel like I've been hit by a bus this morning," said Curtis. "I'm just battered and bruised really but I'm back home after going to hospital last night. I'm going to be checked over at Jack Berry House today.

"I feel pretty good considering. It was as nasty a fall as you'll probably see on the all-weather so for me, Rob and the horses to come back safe and sound is probably a bit of a miracle.

"The horse came out in front of me as I switched out to chase the winner. The medical team were great and had me on oxygen straight away. I'm so grateful to them and for everybody wishing me well."

Ben Curtis: 'For me, Rob and the horses to come back safe and sound is probably a bit of a miracle'Credit: Attheraces

'Luckily we walked away from it'

Hornby was also feeling sore after the fall and said it was a "blessing" the two jockeys were not more seriously injured.

"I'm going to visit the physio and have a few days off," said Hornby. "Luckily I stayed conscious so I remembered it all. Ben took a bad slap and was unconscious for a bit. Luckily we walked away from it.

"Nine times out of ten you get away with it if horses clip heels like that. The race was just starting to develop when my horse stumbled and pulled me over its head. Thankfully the horses were fine too."

Read more:

5.30 Wolverhampton: full result and race replay

Ben Curtis still flying and already setting sights on a big 2021 (Members' Club)

Ben Curtis tests negative for Covid-19 as he apologises for Newmarket breach

Rob Hornby handed 12-day ban after riding finish a circuit too soon

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