A JOCKEY who was kicked in the face by a horse has revealed the horrifying extent of her injuries, saying: “I had my ear sewed back on and a bone pulled out of my head.

In a heart-stopping moment at Canterbury Park Racecourse, Irish jockey Samantha Wynne faced a near-fatal accident that left the racing world in shock. While leading a group of horses during routine training, the 36-year-old was struck in the head by a filly, resulting in catastrophic injuries that could have ended her career—or worse. Her story of survival, resilience, and gratitude is one that resonates far beyond the racetrack, capturing the attention of anyone who has ever faced adversity and come out stronger.

Wynne, a seasoned rider who honed her skills under the legendary Kevin Prendergast in Ireland before making her mark in New Zealand, is no stranger to the dangers of her profession. With over 450 wins, including a prestigious $1.5 million race earlier this year, she has built a reputation as both a talented jockey and a dedicated trainer. Yet, nothing could have prepared her for the split-second incident that left her with a fractured skull and a severed ear, requiring emergency surgery to save her life.

The accident occurred during a seemingly routine session at Canterbury Park. As Wynne guided her horses, a young filly lashed out unexpectedly, delivering a powerful kick to her head. The impact was devastating, knocking her unconscious and leaving her with injuries so severe that medical professionals feared the worst. Rushed to the hospital, she underwent urgent surgery to repair her skull and reattach her ear. Miraculously, doctors confirmed that she sustained no brain injuries, a fact Wynne herself described as a stroke of luck that defied the odds.

In her own words, shared from her hospital bed, Wynne revealed the extent of her ordeal: her ear was sewn back on, bone fragments were removed from her fractured skull, and a piece of bone was extracted from her head. Despite the trauma, she expressed profound gratitude for the medical team and her support network, particularly her partner and the women she affectionately calls “the girls” who have been by her side. The dizziness and disorientation that followed the accident have begun to fade, and Wynne is now able to use her phone, a small but significant step toward recovery.

What makes this story so compelling is not just the horror of the accident but the courage Wynne has shown in its aftermath. Unable to recall the incident itself, she admits to feeling frustrated and upset, yet her focus remains on healing and returning to the sport she loves. Her determination is a testament to the grit required in horse racing, a profession where danger lurks in every stride. Just weeks before her accident, another jockey lost their life in a similar incident, underscoring the risks these athletes face daily.

Wynne’s journey also highlights the tight-knit community that surrounds her. From her partner fielding messages of support to colleagues in the racing world rallying around her, the outpouring of love has been a lifeline. She is expected to be discharged soon, pending further tests, including a hearing evaluation, as she navigates the long road to recovery. Her optimism, even in the face of such a harrowing experience, is infectious, inviting others to reflect on their own resilience in tough times.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of working with horses, animals whose power and beauty come with inherent risks. Yet, it’s also a story of hope, of a woman who stared down death and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. For fans of horse racing and beyond, Samantha Wynne’s survival is a powerful narrative of human strength, one that inspires us to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.

As she prepares to leave the hospital, Wynne’s story is far from over. Her journey back to the saddle will be watched closely, not just by those in the racing world but by anyone who believes in the power of perseverance. Share this incredible tale of survival and let it remind you that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.