Three years ago, Ethan Brown’s career and life were at risk after a horrific fall at Flemington.
On Tuesday, on the very same track, the Australian jockey claimed an inspirational victory aboard Point of Law in the Melbourne Cup.
Brown considered walking away from the sport he loved after falling from Maximillius in the home straight of the Australian Guineas at Flemington in March 2023.
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The then-23-year-old lost more than five-and-a-half litres of blood, and his injuries were critical.
A grade-five lacerated liver and severed artery, damage to his right kidney, significant internal bleeding and hairline fractures to three vertebrae in his lower back.
Ethan Brown was involved in sickening fall during the Australian Guineas at Flemington in 2023. Credit: Seven
Scars both physical and mental forced him to spend time away from racing. However, his hiatus lasted less than a year.
“There was just something burning inside me (to get back riding),” Brown said.
“I was inches from losing my life, and I thought maybe it wasn’t worth it.
“I took some time off and realised I wasn’t much good at anything else.
“It’s been a bumpy road with a lot of challenges thrown my way.”
In the years that followed, his relationship with superstar trainer Ciaron Maher blossomed. The pair took out Group 1s together with Jimmysstar and Light Infantry Man.
Ethan Brown and trainer Ciaron Maher. Credit: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
Then came the opportunity to ride Point of Law. With Brown on board, the four-year-old colt secured a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup.
Heading in as pre-race favourite, Brown could be forgiven for having more than the weight of expectation to overcome.
But as he stormed to victory in the home straight, winning by more than three lengths, Brown said his “well-documented” lows were in the “rear-vision mirror” as he thanked friends and family for their support.
He also made special mention of his mother, who supported his dreams of being a jockey when he left his hometown of Alice Springs as a teenager.
“My mum, she let me leave home when I was 15, and she didn’t want to let me go, but if she didn’t, then I wouldn’t be standing here now.”
Ethan Brown and Point of Law. Credit: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
Brown praised Point of Law after delivering him the biggest win of his career.
“He’s got the best turn of foot in the race by far. I looked up and Royal Supremacy was about 20 (lengths) in front,” Brown said.
“I just had to stay patient. Once he got that clear running, his turn of foot was enormous.
“Probably at about the 300m mark (I knew I was going to win).”
