CHRISTMAS HORROR Tragedy struck when a 16-year-old jockey died after falling from his horse just steps from the finish line during a race hours before Christmas.

In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over the holiday season, the horse racing community is mourning the loss of Joaquim Pavoski Dapper, a talented 16-year-old apprentice jockey from Brazil. The young rider, known in racing circles as J.

Pavoski, suffered a devastating fall during a race at the iconic Gávea Hippodrome in Rio de Janeiro on December 9, 2025.

Tragically, after battling for over a week in intensive care, he was declared brain dead and passed away on December 17, just days before Christmas, turning what should have been a festive time into one of profound sorrow for his family, friends, and the entire Brazilian racing fraternity.

Joaquim’s fall occurred in the closing stages of the final race on a nine-race card that evening. Riding a filly named Sexy Lady, the teenager was positioned in the middle of the pack when he suddenly lost his balance and was unseated mere meters from the finish line.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as horrifying: the young jockey hit the turf hard, lying motionless as the race continued around him. Medical teams rushed to his side immediately, providing emergency care on the track before an ambulance transported him to Miguel Couto Hospital in critical condition.

Doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him, but due to the severity of his injuries—primarily severe head trauma—he was later transferred to Pasteur Hospital for specialized neurological treatment.

Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Joaquim’s condition did not improve. On December 17, the Brazilian Jockey Club issued a somber statement announcing his passing: “The Brazilian Jockey Club announces, with deep regret, the passing of apprentice jockey Joaquim Pavoski Dapper, known in horse racing as J.

Pavoski.” They noted that brain death had been clinically declared, with confirmatory tests to follow. The club expressed gratitude to those who had followed his brief but promising career and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting professionals in the sport through difficult times.

Joaquim Pavoski Dapper was no ordinary teenager; he was a rising star with a passion for horses that began at an extraordinarily young age.

Hailing from the small town of Faxinalzinho in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, Joaquim came from a modest background—his father works as a tourism official, and his mother is a local councillor.

From the age of 12, he dedicated himself to equestrian pursuits, starting with straight-line races before progressing to the professional circuit.

He graduated from Brazil’s prestigious jockey academy and made the bold decision to relocate to Rio de Janeiro to chase his dreams at the Gávea Hippodrome, one of the country’s premier venues.

His professional debut came on September 8, 2025, and it was nothing short of spectacular. In his very first race, Joaquim stunned spectators by guiding his mount to victory, a feat that immediately marked him as a talent to watch.

Over the next three months, he rode three winners in total, showcasing skill, determination, and a natural affinity for the sport that belied his youth. Fellow jockeys and trainers at Gávea regarded him as an up-and-coming phenomenon, with many predicting a bright future filled with major triumphs.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Brazilian horse racing community and beyond. Tributes have poured in from across the industry, highlighting Joaquim’s kindness, work ethic, and infectious enthusiasm.

Colleagues described him as a dedicated young man who lived for the thrill of the track, always eager to learn and improve.

The timing of his death, so close to Christmas, has amplified the grief, robbing his family of a son during what is meant to be a time of joy and togetherness.

Joaquim was laid to rest in his hometown of Faxinalzinho on Sunday, December 21, in a funeral attended by hundreds who came to pay their respects to the boy who dreamed big and achieved so much in so little time.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in horse racing, a sport that demands immense courage from its participants, especially the jockeys who risk life and limb at high speeds.

While safety measures have improved over the years—helmets, better track surfaces, and quicker medical responses—falls remain unpredictable and often catastrophic. Joaquim’s case underscores the vulnerability of even the youngest and most promising riders.

In Brazil, where horse racing enjoys a passionate following, calls have renewed for enhanced protective gear and stricter protocols to prevent such losses.

The Brazilian Jockey Club has pledged ongoing support for Joaquim’s family and emphasized their dedication to rider welfare. In the wake of this loss, the racing calendar continued, but with a heavy heart; many events around the holiday period featured moments of silence in his honor.

For those who knew him, Joaquim Pavoski Dapper will be remembered not just for his tragic end, but for the joy he brought to the sport—the wide smile after his debut win, the determination in his eyes as he pursued victory, and the promise of a career cut heartbreakingly short.

As families gather for Christmas celebrations worldwide, the story of this 16-year-old’s untimely death stands as a poignant contrast, a “Christmas horror” that highlights the fragility of life.

Joaquim’s legacy, though brief, inspires reflection on the risks taken by those who entertain us and the need for the sport to prioritize safety above all.

His family, left to grieve during the holidays, has requested privacy, but the outpouring of condolences from around the globe offers some solace in knowing how many lives he touched. In the words of those closest to him, Joaquim lived his dream fully, even if it ended far too soon.

The track at Gávea will never quite feel the same without the young rider who fell just steps from glory.