The title of the article is: Watch this incredible moment as the words “Think About It” are raised when a jockey risks his life to comfort a horse that had fallen and suffered severe internal bleeding during a race

In the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing, moments of raw emotion and human compassion occasionally pierce through the glamour and speed, reminding spectators of the profound bond between jockey and horse. One such unforgettable scene unfolded during the Sydney Stakes at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, on October 19, 2024, when champion sprinter Think About It collapsed mid-race after suffering a massive pulmonary hemorrhage. The incident not only ended the gelding’s racing career but also produced a heart-wrenching display of bravery from his jockey, Jason Collett, whose instinctive actions to comfort the distressed animal captured global attention and admiration.

Think About It, affectionately known as “Spud” among his connections, had already etched his name into Australian racing history. The Australian-bred gelding rose meteorically in 2023, transitioning from modest midweek races to claiming two Group 1 victories, including the prestigious $20 million TAB Everest at Randwick. Trained by Joe Pride and owned by Proven Thoroughbreds, the six-year-old sprinter embodied resilience and talent, amassing 11 wins from just 19 starts. His Everest triumph made him a fan favorite, celebrated for his explosive speed and fighting spirit.

A year later, on Everest Day 2024, Think About It lined up for the Sydney Stakes, a Group 2 sprint over 1400 meters. The race began routinely, with the field thundering down the straight. But as the horses turned for home, disaster struck. Think About It, positioned toward the rear, suddenly faltered and fell heavily, throwing jockey Jason Collett to the turf.

What followed was a terrifying sequence: the powerful gelding lay sprawled on the track, legs flailing in distress as blood poured from his nostrils—a clear sign of a severe pulmonary hemorrhage, an internal bleeding episode that can be life-threatening in racehorses.

In that chaotic instant, with other horses still racing past and the danger of being struck by oncoming runners ever-present, Collett’s priority shifted entirely to his fallen partner. Ignoring his own potential injuries from the fall—including a later-reported shoulder issue—the 33-year-old jockey scrambled to his feet and rushed to Think About It’s side. Video footage of the moment, which quickly went viral, shows Collett gently cradling the horse’s head, stroking his face, and speaking softly to calm the animal. He positioned himself to prevent the horse from attempting to stand too quickly, which could worsen the internal damage.

The jockey’s actions were described by onlookers and racing commentators as “crazy dangerous” yet profoundly heroic, as he placed himself at risk in the middle of the track to provide comfort during what appeared to be a dire situation.

Veterinary teams arrived swiftly on the scene. Initial assessments confirmed the severity of the hemorrhage, but remarkably, Think About It stabilized enough to be walked off the course with assistance. The horse’s survival that day was hailed as nothing short of miraculous. Connections credited Collett’s quick thinking and calming presence with helping prevent further panic or injury. Trainer Joe Pride later expressed immense relief, noting that the horse had “cheated death” in that terrifying episode. The decision was made almost immediately to retire Think About It from racing to prioritize his long-term health and well-being.

In the aftermath, Collett opened up about his instincts during the incident. He explained that his first thought upon hitting the ground was the welfare of the horse rather than his own safety. “I just wanted to make sure he was okay,” he said in interviews, highlighting the deep trust and partnership that develops between jockeys and their mounts over time. Racing authorities and fellow riders praised his selflessness, with many pointing out that such acts underscore the genuine care inherent in the sport, often overshadowed by criticism of its risks.

Think About It was placed under the dedicated care of his regular jockey, Sam Clipperton, following retirement, as part of arrangements by Proven Thoroughbreds. The horse enjoyed a peaceful post-racing life until early 2026, when tragedy struck again. In February 2026, the seven-year-old was euthanized due to complications following colic surgery at the Randwick Equine Centre. Colic, a common yet potentially fatal condition in horses involving abdominal pain and digestive issues, had required surgical intervention. Although he initially pulled through the procedure, his condition deteriorated rapidly despite expert veterinary efforts.

Proven Thoroughbreds issued a heartfelt statement announcing the news, describing Think About It as a “once-in-a-lifetime horse” and acknowledging that he “wasn’t able to cheat death twice.”

The dual narratives of Think About It’s life—his rise to stardom, the dramatic on-track crisis he overcame in 2024, and his eventual passing—have left an indelible mark on the racing community. The image of Jason Collett risking his safety to comfort his stricken horse remains one of the most poignant in recent racing memory. It serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability beneath the thrill of competition and the unbreakable bond that can form between human and animal athletes.

Fans and industry figures alike reflected on Think About It’s legacy with sorrow and gratitude. His story highlights not only the exhilarating highs of thoroughbred racing but also its inherent dangers and the compassion that often emerges in moments of crisis. As tributes poured in following his passing, many noted that Think About It will be remembered not just for his victories, including that unforgettable Everest win, but for the way he touched hearts through adversity.

In an sport where speed and glory dominate headlines, his tale—and the jockey’s selfless act—endures as a testament to empathy, courage, and the quiet heroism that exists behind the scenes.