It has been reported that a veteran Down Under horseman is in critical condition in a Perth hospital after having suffered a suspected heart attack during a race on Tuesday (May 1).

According to multiple reports, 72-year-old horseman Tony Ciuppa fell from his sulky during Race 4 at Gloucester Park.

Ciuppa was positioned overland in mid pack with Guns with Cows when he appeared to crumple in his bike. Soon after, Ciuppa fell backwards out of his sulky. The horses in behind him did their best to scatter. It is hard to determine via the race replay, but witnesses indicate that the veteran horseman was trampled by at least one horse.

Racing and Wagering WA has said that the race’s starter and mobile driver had reached Ciuppa within 15 seconds of the incident. He was transported to hospital via ambulance after paramedics performed CPR.

Ciuppa’s status was upgraded slightly on Wednesday to critical but stable.

Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Ciuppa a fast and complete recovery.

(With files from The West Australian and 9 News)