The list of injured jockeys grew last week after several nasty falls at the Cheltenham Festival (11-14 March). But all the riders are understood to be on the road to recovery.
H&H racing columnist Daryl Jacob said he is “not feeling too bad” when he spoke to H&H earlier today (Wednesday 19 March). He is now home from hospital following his freak fall last Friday.
He broke his left leg, knee and elbow when being thrown off on the way to the start of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, when his mount Port Melon spooked.
Daryl was thrown into a Channel 4 camera — breaking his knee and leg — before landing on the concrete, breaking his elbow.
He had successful operations on Saturday (15 March), but as yet does not know how long he will be off for.
“I’m just resting up at home at the moment — I’m just tired and sore,” he said.
“It all happened very quickly. When I landed I thought I was alright and that I was just sore. But the paramedics wouldn’t let me get up, which is a good job really.
“I’m lucky, it was a freak accident and it certainly could have been worse. Bryan Cooper’s mangled his leg and poor Jason Maguire has lost part of his liver.”
In the ups and downs of racing, Daryl had ridden the winner of the previous race — Lac Fontana (pictured). Both horses are trained by Paul Nicholls.
Paul told H&H: “I went to see Daryl last night (Tuesday 18 March) and he seemed in good spirits. He was more mobile than I’d expected, but I’ve said he needs to be patient, there’s no rush and he needs to recover properly.”
Update on other injured jockeys
Ruby Walsh is set to be on the sidelines for around 2 months after breaking his arm in a fall on the same day (14 March). He is due to see a specialist this week, but will miss the Grand National.
Gigginstown House Stud’s number 1 jockey Bryan Cooper suffered a complex leg break on Wednesday (12 March). The break was reportedly the worst his surgeon had seen.
Bryan had a successful operation in Bristol on Friday and is hoping to return home to Ireland within the next week. He looks likely to be out of the saddle for 6 months.
Jason Maguire is reported to be recovering well following a serious fall last Monday (10 March) at Stratford after which he had to have part of his liver removed.
Jason was kicked in the abdomen by another horse after he fell from Scots Gaelic. He fractured his sternum and had bleeding on his liver so was put into an induced coma and operated on.
Trainer Kim Bailey said he was recovering well and today Jason’s friend, former jockey Niall Hannity, tweeted: “Just spoke to Jason Maguire, he’s improved more in the last few days than Hunt Ball did a few seasons ago. #flying”
For more don’t miss Daryl Jacob’s comment in 27 March issue of H&H magazine
