Apprentice Jye McNeil has been taken to hospital after being dislodged from his mount before the VOBIS Gold Rush at Bendigo.

McNeil was thrown from Preemptive after leaving the mounting yard for Saturday's race.

He got his leg caught in the reins and was dragged along the ground before freeing himself.

McNeil was placed in a neck brace and he complained of leg soreness.

Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey said said McNeil was conscious but in pain.

"It was a good sign that he said it was a five out of 10 pain," Bailey said.