McDonald hits the heights after being floored on the opening day

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Jockey Patrick Joseph McDonald and the horse Victory Heights approach the finish line to win the Betway/British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Div 2) race at Newcastle Racecourse on June 02, 2020 in Newcastle upo

PJ McDonald strikes on Victory HeightsCredit: Tony Knapton

PJ McDonald bounced back from his fall on a fatally injured horse on the first day of racing's resumption to score on Royal Ascot-bound two-year-old Victory Heights.

He was unscathed in the accident that claimed the life of the Phil Kirby-trained December Second on Monday and said: "I'm absolutely gutted for Phil and connections, he was a beautiful horse and he was one I was really looking forward to riding.

"Unfortunately it was just one of those things that happen."

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David CarrReporter

Published on 2 June 2020inReports

Last updated 14:44, 4 June 2020

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