There are serious fears for veteran Queensland jockey Shane McGovern who is in an induced coma in Townsville Hospital after he was trapped underneath a dead horse for six hours.

McGovern’s nine-year-old horse Reformist reportedly died from an aneurysm during trackwork and, as the gelding collapsed, it fell onto the 67-year-old McGovern.

McGovern now faces the prospect of losing both his legs after they were trapped underneath the horse for six hours at his Charters Towers stables (more than 130km southwest of Townsville).

He was eventually found by his wife, trainer Kim McGovern, who was in shock at the discovery.

“I thought ‘well, that’s Shane, he’ll just go off for a ride’, which is what he does because the horse was supposed to be racing on Monday,” Kim McGovern said.

“But I’m absolutely kicking myself, and it’s a thing I will never forget. And then this ghoulish little arm comes up, and he says ‘I’m all right’.”

Australian Jockeys’ Association health and safety officer Kevin Ring said McGovern’s suffered nerve damage in the accident because his blood circulation had been cut off.

“There’s a possibility he may lose one or both legs,” Ring said.

He has already had surgery on his thighs and, in a positive sign, he had been conscious before he was put back into an induced coma.

“(Doctors) put the breathing tube back in to give his body a rest and they’ll keep him like that for a couple of days,” Kim told News Corp.

Mount Isa Race Club said they were now raising funds to help Shane.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of jockey Shane McGovern’s recent track work accident,” the club said in a statement.

“Shane has long been a valued and dedicated supporter of our club and the wider North West racing community. People like Shane are the backbone of country racing, and our race days simply wouldn’t be the same without them.

“In support of the McGoverns during this difficult time, the Mount Isa Race Club will be donating $1,000 and running a series of raffles. Your support of these upcoming raffles would be greatly appreciated. Our thoughts are with Shane and Kim.”

Message of support also flowed on social media.

“I’ve known Shane for over 50 years. He’s the toughest jockey in Australia. If anyone can get through this, he will. Keep fighting mate,” one friend said.