Jockey who ‘jumped straight off horse' flees country after investigation launched into incident
Footage has spread like wildfire of Brazilian rider Lemos De Souza's eyecatching spill from well-backed favourite Pacific Power.
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The commentator of the race at Selangor track in Malaysia, Devon Pretorius, didn't mince his words, stating: "He practically jumped off the horse."
Punters agreed in the most part - with some comparing his theatrics to that of football superstar Neymar - however others argued the fall looked genuine.
Either way, stewards confirmed they had opened an investigation into what happened.
But that has been delayed after it emerged De Souza had left the country.
According to The Straight, De Souza, who goes by the nickname 'Lai Lai', has fled Malaysia for neighbouring Singapore.
Other reports claimed this was due to him needing medical treatment.
It means De Souza's planned appearance in front of Selangor Turf Club's integrity division has been put on hold.
A side-on view of the fall has also been posted online.
The sentiment among many was that they echoed Pretorious' description of what happened.
He said: "A look at the replay here… Pacific Power jumps and Lai Lai - I'm not too sure if the saddle slipped.
"Then he pretty much knew his fate about ten metres out of the starting stalls and then practically jumped off the horse as he knew he wasn't going to get his foot back in his irons on his right side."
While unclear exactly what punishment De Souza would face - or how stewards intend to come to a decision - if found guilty of any wrongdoing he can expect a lengthy ban.
This is the second such incident to rock racing in recent months.
An investigation is still ongoing into Irish jockey Philip Byrnes' dramatic fall from Redwood Queen at Wexford in May.
While fellow jockey Alvinio Roy was banned for five years after this incident in Mauritius last year.
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