Jockey Christophe Lemaire rushed to hospital after fall with Oisin Murphy named replacement on Dubai World Cup favourite

JOCKEY Christophe Lemaire has been rushed to hospital after a fatal fall on the Dubai World Cup card.

The 44-year-old rider suffered a sickening spill from Catnip, who sadly had to be put down afterwards, in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan.

Christophe Lemaire has been rushed to hospital after his fall and replaced by Oisin Murphy on huge Dubai World Cup favourite Derma SotogakeGetty

A statement from Dubai Racing Club confirmed: “Jockey Christophe Lemaire has been taken to hospital for further evaluation following a fall in race 7.

“Stood down from last two rides.”

It means he misses the huge ride on World Cup 7-2 favourite Derma Sotogake – where victory is worth £5.5million.

Former British champion jockey Oisin Murphy has got the ride in his place – a huge sign of trust in the Irish rider.

Lemaire was also due to ride Stars On Earth in the Sheema Classic at 4pm – but has been replaced by Frankie Dettori.

Catnip, a five-year-old gelding, sadly broke down entering the final stretch of the 1m1f Turf.

Despite every effort of vets on the racecourse he could not be saved.

Lemaire was shown on TV being stretchered off the track and put into the back of an ambulance.

His terrible accident came in the race before Sir Alex Ferguson goes for a £2.7million win in the Sheema Classic.

His wonderhorse Spirit Dancer will be up against former Epsom Derby hero Auguste Rodin, who has been smashed into 11-8 favourite.

Facteur Cheval was the head-bobbing winner of the Turf in a thriller with Namur.

Dettori was disappointed in his bid for a fourth straight win in the race on Lord North, finishing eighth.