Watch the incredible moment a jockey puts himself in harm’s way to calm a horse that had fallen badly during a race.

A leading jockey has been praised for his quick thinking and bravery after a horrific fall at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse last weekend.

Champion racehorse Think About It, which won the 2023 Everest, has been officially retired after the six-year-old collapsed in the Sydney Stakes last Saturday.

It was a shocking scene as jockey Jason Collett was thrown from his mount mid-race and commentators were concerned about both horse and rider.

But in astonishing scenes, Collette quickly rose to his feet and, without regard for his own safety, ran to the horse to comfort it.

“Graphic footage (but) good to hear. “Think about it: from now on in retirement you will live like a king,” racing analyst John Wall wrote on social media site X.

“But huge respect to Jason Collett, who in an insanely dangerous situation tried to calm the horse without any hesitation.”

Think About It, sired by two-time Cox Plate champion So You Think, was visibly upset on the track and Collett said his first instinct was to try to get him back on his feet.

“I’m fine and amazingly the horse is back in the stalls,” Collett said.

“They don’t do that. I thought he was broken, but he bled to death.”

RacingNSW later confirmed that Think About It suffered a bleeding attack but made a full recovery.

Racing fans praised Collette’s bravery.

“It’s very unpleasant to watch an animal in such situations. Well done Jason for not leaving his post during this very worrying time,” one wrote.

“It shows how much people love these animals. Anyone who has dealt with a horse knows that Jason did something selfless. He risked himself to calm the horse. Legend,” another supporter praised.

“Incredibly brave and selfless. Let’s talk about emotional intelligence. So calm under pressure. Congratulations Jason,” another added.

It was a terrifying moment for trainer Joseph Pride, who feared the worst as he ran onto the track to check on Think About It’s welfare.

“I went in a straight line. I climbed to an altitude of about 400 meters – it was a slow and painful walk alone. I feared the worst,” Pride said.

“But then I saw his head appear above the screen. It was amazing. I just thought, “Ahh, what a relief.”

“I still didn’t understand what was wrong with him, but the fact that he was back on his feet was such a relief. The difference between him not leaving Randwick Racecourse and him retiring as a happy, healthy horse, it was just a big relief.”

The decision to immediately end his Think About It career was easy for the coach.

“I couldn’t risk him again.” It was a big bleed, so it was an easy decision,” Pride said.

“He’s bright and happy. I was quite surprised. This morning I walked into the stable and his head was hanging out of the door. He looked the same as he did any other day after the race.

“It’s not that he has to race again or anything, I’m just saying I’m so glad to see him this morning. I can’t believe it doesn’t even hurt after the fall. “It’s overturned and they’re going about 60 km/h.”