Apprentice jockey Mpumelelo Mjoka is expected to be out of action for a very lengthy period following his fall during training at Randjesfontein last week.

Mjoka came off his mount at Randjesfontein on Wednesday morning and hit the barrier rail which is made of steel.

Mphumelelo Mjoka (Nkosi Hophe)

He was taken to the Sunninghill Hospital where he was diagnosed to not only have dislocated his knee but there was also quite a lot of nerve damage as a result. The 21-year-old had to have two operations to correct the problem and at one stage there was a thought that this injury could be career threatening.

However, after a second operation the doctors were able to save his leg and it looks as if we will see Mjoka back in the irons but he could be out for as long as two years.

Mjoka often rides for Mike de Kock’s stable and on his website, mikedekockracing.com, the former champion trainer called for the rails at Randjesfontein to be replaced with plastic ones.

Speaking about the injury De Kock added: “Mpume is a positive young man, which will help with his recovery, but he’ll be out for a long time and it’s a blow to his career.”

– TAB News