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RIP

French rider Boutin dies following fall

The 21-year-old tragically passed away in the early hours of this morning.

FRENCH APPRENTICE RIDER Benjamin Boutin has died at the age of 21, it has been announced.

The rider was severely injured after being involved in a four-horse pile-up at the Game Of Legs for Pascal Bary in Normandy on Saturday.

The 21-year-old lay unconscious for a substantial period on the turf before being taken to a nearby hospital in Argentan.

He had been moved to the intensive care unit, where he was put on a life support machine, but died early this morning.

Jockey’s Association President Ronan Thomas paid tribute to the young rider. Speaking to racing channel Equida, he said:

“Nobody in the profession could fail to be affected by the death of Benjamin Boutin at the age of 21.

“What has happened to this young man spurs us on to develop even better safety measures, and better emergency services. That urgency is the only light to come out of this situation.”

Boutin had enjoyed considerable success in his profession this year, emerging as the winning rider on eight occasions.

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