Anthony Delpech would in normal circumstances be looking forward to an attempt at a Vodacom Durban July record but instead has a much tougher battle on his plate as he recuperates from a horror fall suffered in the SA Classic on April 7.
The good news is he feels there is a “definite” chance he might one day be able to ride again.
However, it will be another few months before such a decision can be taken as it all depends on how well the injury heals and how strong the surrounding tissue becomes.
Anthony Delpech (Liesl King)
Delpech was aboard the fancied Majestic Mambo in the SA Classic and said when a half gap opened he went for it. However, one of the horses ahead of him shifted slightly and the gap closed. He attempted to pull out of it but the horse had shot forward and it was too late.
Delpech suffered a herniated disc in the neck and a new disc had to be put in its place. He also had to have vertebrae four and five fused together.
He also suffered excruciating nerve pain in his hands and lost all of the strength in his hands too.
His frame of mind also took a blow as he had been on top of the world and was on his way to a second successive national jockey’s title and a fourth overall.
However, he said, “It is a huge operation. It was very hard at first, I was very down, but I have really come a long way.”
He is getting the strength in his hands back, has been able to drive his car again and is feeling a lot more upbeat.
In a fortnight’s time he will go for his first scan since the operation.
Things might move quicker after that because up until now no physiotherapy has been allowed on the neck. The physiotherapy, once it starts will be vital, and in a few months’ time a call will be made on the strength of the injured area versus the risks should there be another fall.
Delpech has been watching the big races and asked which horse he would have liked to have been on for the July said, “African Night Sky has been very impressive and is the stand out.”
He is the joint July record holder together with Harold “Tiger” Wright and Anton Marcus having ridden the winner of the big race four times.
Anton Marcus is also on the injury list but is still hopeful of being ready in time to ride in the July.
By David Thiselton
