FORMER three-time champion jockey Dane Nelson, veteran Vassel Najair, and the in-form Paul Francis were taken to the University Hospital of the West Indies for treatment by Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) emergency personnel after spills in yesterday’s sixth and seventh races at Caymanas Park.

Richard Mitchell, who also fell from his mount along with Nelson approaching the two-furlong marker in the sixth race, was sent home by the doctor on duty at the track after receiving treatment. Nelson was aboard Montegonian, Mitchell was astride Straightfromuheart.

In the seventh race, Francis fell off Dinner By Seven, while Najair was thrown off Stir It Up approaching the half-mile.

An official of the promoting company CTL, who spoke with the Jamaica Observer, said that based on the preliminary report of the doctor on duty, Nelson had a mild concussion, Najair’s right shoulder was dislocated, and Francis had complained of pains in both his shoulders.

“Nelson was quickly examined and sent away to the hospital for further treatment; he was shaken up, but I think he will be okay. Najair was transported by a private car, while Francis had to wait for an ambulance before he was taken to the hospital,” the CTL official said.

Meanwhile, champion jockey Shane Ellis was at his best when he guided the Anthony Nunes-trained Royal Assault to victory in the top-rated race, an Overnight Allowance event for three-year-olds and upward over 1,000 metres.

Owned by Preferred Racing, Royal Assault was a comfortable five-and-half lengths in front ofRed Flag (Ian Spence up) and Lady Shankari under Omar Walker in a decent time of 1:00.2 minutes.Lady Shankari finished second, but was disqualified for causing interference to Red Flag in the last 200 metres.

Eternal Joy, under leading apprentice Linton Steadman, won the Colin Helhado Memorial Cup feature on the 10-race programme. Steadman replaced the injured Francis in the saddle.

Racing continues next Saturday.