Derreck David
In a telephonic interview with the Sporting Post, jockey Derreck David has reassured fans that he is doing OK.
David, who had his last start at the Vaal on 11 September 2014, had been on the bench for the last few weeks due to a lower back injury. After treatment including traction and intensive biokinetics, he was scheduled to be back in the saddle this Saturday, 1 November 2014.
Speaking from his hospital bed at the Carstenhoff Hospital in Midrand, David said “I started riding work about 2 weeks ago and this weekend was supposed to be my first meeting back. I went to work at Randjes on Tuesday (28 October) for the Geoff Woodruff yard. When I went to get on my horse, it spun around and kicked me in the ribs. I’ve broken a rib and punctured my liver.”
“I was rushed straight off to hospital and am in the ICU at the moment for observation, but luckily I won’t need to have any surgery. Unfortunately it does look as though I will be out for about 10-12 weeks. It is incredibly frustrating as I was four days away from getting back to racing, but I’ll just take it step by step and leave it in God’s hands. He is good and will pull me through. Considering where I was kicked, it could have been a lot worse. They’ve got me in hospital till Friday and we’ll see how things go after that. I intend to take it very slowly and I’m not going to be stupid and try and rush back.”
“As any sportsman will know, getting injured straight right after you’ve just recovered from an injury is really frustrating and depressing, so thanks to everyone for all their concern and support. The whole Woodruff team were wonderful for getting me to the hospital and for caring so much and my fiance and family have been a great support behind me to keep a smile on my face.”
