Queensland-based jockey Ashley Butler has been the victim of a sickening 'coward punch' assault, just hours after the biggest win of his career.
After riding Emerald Kingdom to victory in Saturday's $440,000 The Archer at Rockhampton, the 30-year-old was out celebrating at a nightclub just hours later.
The inaugural running of The Archer goes to the Rob Heathcote stable with Emerald Kingdom lifting late to get the bob over Apache Chase! pic.twitter.com/QR3prJvnWe
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 7, 2022
Butler was king hit in the toilets and rushed to hospital with a badly broken jaw following the attack.
His wife Heidi told News Corp Australia that he would be flown to Brisbane for surgery.
“They are going to get a helicopter and send him down to Brisbane,” she said.
“He was king hit when he went to the toilet last night at one of the nightclubs here in Rockhampton, it shattered his jaw in five places.
“We have to think positive with all because it could have been 100 times worse
“We had the best day at the races on Saturday and for this to happen, I just don’t know what to say.”
Butler arrived home after the assault, before his wife called an ambulance.
Arguably the best jockey in the central Queensland area, Butler has amassed close to 550 career victories.
He was scheduled to ride in Mackay on Tuesday but will be out indefinitely following the attack.
