Shocking Situation at Cheltenham: Female Horsewoman Gina Andrews Was Kicked Straight in the Face by a Horse, Fell into a Coma Right on the Racetrack but Still Kept Her Reaction, Surprising the Audience

In the heart-pounding world of horse racing, where split-second decisions and raw athleticism collide, few moments capture the raw peril of the sport quite like the harrowing incident that unfolded at Cheltenham Racecourse on December 11, 2020. Amateur jockey Gina Andrews, a trailblazing figure in British point-to-point racing, experienced a nightmare scenario that left spectators gasping in horror and medical teams scrambling into action. Riding the promising seven-year-old gelding Haafapiece in the Catesby Handicap Hurdle, Andrews was poised for a potential victory, leading the field into the final flight of hurdles. What followed was a shocking chain of events: a catastrophic fall, a brutal kick to the face, and an inexplicable display of resilience that defied the odds, all witnessed by a stunned crowd under the grey skies of Gloucestershire.

The race itself was a typical mid-winter affair at Cheltenham, one of the most prestigious venues in National Hunt racing, known for its undulating track and unforgiving jumps. Haafapiece, trained by Pam Sly and owned by Tilly Coles, had shown flashes of brilliance in prior outings, and Andrews’ expert handling had the horse traveling strongly in the two-mile-one-furlong contest. As the leaders approached the last hurdle, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Andrews urged Haafapiece forward, her form impeccable as always—a testament to her status as Britain’s most successful female amateur rider, with over 200 point-to-point wins under her belt by that point in her career.

Tragedy struck in an instant. Haafapiece’s legs buckled beneath him at the hurdle, sending the horse tumbling to the turf and catapulting Andrews headfirst into the ground. The fall alone would have been devastating, but the real horror came seconds later. As the field bunched up in the ensuing chaos, jockey Fergus Gillard on his mount managed to stay upright but inadvertently delivered a devastating blow: his horse’s hoof connected squarely with Andrews’ face, striking her with bone-crushing force. The impact echoed across the track, a sickening thud that silenced the roar of the crowd. Andrews lay motionless amid the scattered debris of the race—her helmet askew, blood pooling on the grass—as green screens were hastily erected to shield the gruesome scene from view.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as “gut-wrenching,” with one spectator later recounting to local media how the usually jubilant Cheltenham atmosphere turned to one of collective dread. “You could hear the gasps ripple through the stands,” the fan said. “It was like time froze. Everyone was praying she’d get up.” The on-course medical team, renowned for their swift response in such high-stakes environments, rushed to her side. Initial reports suggested Andrews had been knocked unconscious—plunging into what appeared to be a coma-like state from the trauma. Fractures to her eye socket and cheekbone were later confirmed, injuries severe enough to raise fears of reconstructive surgery. Yet, in a twist that left paramedics and onlookers alike baffled, Andrews began to stir almost immediately. Against all expectations, she exhibited signs of responsiveness: a faint murmur, a twitch of her hand, even a groggy attempt to sit up. It was as if her fighter’s instinct refused to yield, her body clinging to consciousness amid the pain.

This surprising reaction became the focal point of the unfolding drama, turning a potential tragedy into a story of unyielding spirit. Bridget Andrews, Gina’s sister and fellow jockey, had just competed earlier in the day, finishing third on Mohaayed in the Citipost Handicap Hurdle. Unable to accompany Gina to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital due to COVID-19 restrictions—a cruel irony that amplified the family’s anguish—Bridget provided the first on-site update. “She looked a bit of a mess when she left the track, but she was talking,” Bridget told reporters, her voice steady despite the visible strain. “Gina was moving and responsive right away. It’s a miracle she didn’t stay down.” That resilience, Bridget emphasized, was quintessentially Gina: a woman who had risen from humble beginnings in rural Gloucestershire to dominate the male-heavy domain of amateur racing.

As Andrews was stretchered off the course and transported to the hospital for scans and overnight observation, the racing community rallied around her. Her husband, Tom Ellis, a respected point-to-point trainer with whom she shares a joint Twitter account under Gina and Tom Ellis Racing, issued a poignant statement that evening. “Massive thank you to all the staff and medics at Cheltenham Races and the NHS for looking after her,” it read. “Get well soon.” Ellis later opened up about the emotional toll, describing the helplessness of not being able to visit his wife in those critical hours. “It was horrendous,” he told the Racing Post. “The fall was bad enough, but the isolation made it hell. She’s tough, though—schooling horses at home already.” Indeed, Andrews’ recovery was remarkably swift. Cleared by doctors within weeks, she returned to light riding duties, her face bearing the scars of battle but her determination unscathed. By early 2021, she was eyeing a comeback at the Cheltenham Festival, though amateur restrictions amid the pandemic delayed her full return.

The incident at Cheltenham served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in horse racing, a sport where human and equine athletes push the boundaries of endurance. Andrews’ case highlighted both the vulnerabilities—facial fractures, potential concussions—and the heroism that defines it. In the days following, tributes poured in from across the equestrian world. Champion trainer Nicky Henderson praised her as “a warrior,” while fellow jockeys shared stories of her mentorship to up-and-coming female riders. Gina’s own reflections, once she was back in the saddle, underscored her philosophy: “The doctors signed me off, so I’ve just got to pass the raceday check. I wouldn’t change a thing—it’s the thrill that keeps you going.”

Five years on, Andrews continues to thrive, her legacy enriched by that fateful day. Most recently, in April 2025, she suffered another spill at Aintree during the Foxhunters’ Chase, coming down on Master Templar and requiring precautionary scans. Yet true to form, she walked away largely unscathed, underscoring her enduring grit. The Cheltenham kick remains a pivotal chapter in her story—a shocking brush with disaster that not only tested her mettle but amplified her inspirational aura. In an industry grappling with safety reforms and calls for better protective gear, Andrews’ quick recovery stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the face of coma-like peril, the human spirit in racing can defy the darkest moments.

For the audience that day, the surprise wasn’t just her survival; it was the poise she maintained, a silent vow that the track would not claim her fire. As Cheltenham’s echoes fade into racing lore, Gina Andrews rides on—not just for victory, but for every dreamer watching from the stands, reminded that true champions rise, react, and roar back.