Australian jockey Boss in hospital, horse dies

Top Australian jockey Glen Boss was taken to hospital and champion horse Crystal Lily died after the mare collapsed during early morning training. Three-time Melbourne Cup winner Boss suffered a shoulder injury after the fall at Melbourne's Flemington on Friday and was in a stable condition. His mount Crystal Lily, the bay filly which last year won the world's richest race for two-year-olds, Sydney's Aus$3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes, died. "Not a lot to say at this point. We're devastated. Thanks to everyone for the support," the horse's trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra said on Twitter. Zahra said the mare suffered a suspected heart attack despite previously giving no indication of any health problems. "She was probably halfway through the trial and started to drop out suddenly and then collapsed to the ground," he told ABC radio. "She's part of the family for most people here, she gave everyone a great thrill in racing. From the strapper to the owners to the staff, everyone's devastated." Boss, who won Australia's the Melbourne Cup on Makybe Diva in 2003, 2004 and 2005, was expected to remain in hospital overnight. In June 2002, Boss broke his neck after falling from his horse during a race in Macau which could have ended his career. He returned to racing within a year.