Jockey Risks Disqualification to Help Fellow Rider...and What Race Officials Reminded Her of After Didn't Make a Difference

While jockeys were falling left and right off their horses at a steeplechase race on Monday, another tumble was avoided over the weekend thanks to the reaction of one jockey. But the saving move could have actually disqualified this rider.

In a display of sportsmanship -- or as a Fox Sports commentator called it, "horsemanship" -- Libby Hopwood pushed up fellow rider Holly McKechnie, who was starting to fall just out the gates at an Oakbank Racing Club event in Adelaide Hills, Australia, Saturday.

Image source: Thoroughbred Racing SA video

Image source: Thoroughbred Racing SA video

As it turns out, Hopwood violated race rules by touching her opponent. Fortunately though for Hopwood, she was not penalized.

Watch the moment of "horsemanship":

Not only did the nudge keep McKechnie in the race, it could have saved her from injury as well.

“I looked across and could see Holly was in trouble and I just tried to help,’’ Hopwood told Adelaide Now. “It all happened very quickly, it was a matter of a few strides and we were back racing.’’

According to Fox Sports, Hopwood said she would do it again.

Watch the full race on Thoroughbred Racing SA's website.

According to thoroughbred racing rules, a jockey and the horse could be disqualified if the rider touches another person or thing other than his or her own equipment after starting, "unless justified by extraordinary circumstances in doing so."

(H/T: Herald Sun)