A JOCKEY has died aged 43 after a horse ‘went berserk’ in a horrific racecourse smash-up.

Famed Japanese rider Kosuke Matsumoto, 43, was rushed to hospital following the incident at Sonoda Racecourse.

Jockey in pink silks atop a horse.

The rider fell off his horse and ‘hit his head hard on the ground’, according to reports.

Police are now said to have launched an investigation into the pile-up, which saw two other jockeys escape with minor injuries.

It is believed one horse bolted and charged at Matsumoto and his mount during early morning trackwork.

According to one report, the horse was said to have ‘gone berserk’ while Matsumoto and others went about their business.

The rider smashed into the turf, injuring his head and other parts of his body.

The jockey, who has 261 wins from 7,624 races, is believed to have gone to a hospital in Amagasaki City in cardiac arrest.

Jockey, 43, killed when 'out of control' horse charged his mount - The Mirror

Matsumoto died seven hours after the fall, which occurred around 5.50am.

A moment of silence was held at the racecourse before the action got underway on Tuesday.

Paying tribute to Matsumoto, a report on respected racing news site Netkeiba read: “He was involved in training from early in the morning until the last minute, and was well-liked by trainers and jockeys.

“He was loved by all those involved.”