Three weeks of relaxation and time out with family and friends in Zambia have recharged sidelined jockey Gabriell Pieterse’s batteries as he continues on the long road to recovery following a horror fall at Fairview on Friday 14 July.
While it was a black mark on what was a terrific last season, the incident where Gabriell was dislodged from Maiden’s Cove and broke his nose and fractured his jaw and cheek, has fallen into the forgotten files and no action was ever taken publicly after the Stipes allowed the race to continue at what appeared to some sectors to be a risk to the injured rider and those in attendance.
But life goes on and the young jockey spoke to the Sporting Post on Tuesday just as he was about to board a flight at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport en route to his home in Johannesburg.
Gabriell Pieterse – rested and ready for the next phase of recovery (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“I’m feeling good and in high spirits after a really relaxing three weeks with family and friends. I’m taking things step by step and am due to see Doctors to do more tests,” he said.
“So while my bones and body are healing, the brain is important. One has to look after one’s head before anything else. And I have had some brain fog and done some cloudy things. Like I will take a coffee cup to the kitchen to put in the sink. But when I arrive at the sink, I don’t have the cup. That’s because I somehow went via the bedroom. It’s those moments that are funny. But I really need to sort my head out,” laughs Gabriell.
While he explains that he doesn’t see himself riding before mid-September, the 20 year old will start ‘small exercises’ soon.
“My state of mind is good and having a goal and tasks keeps one occupied and focused. Thanks for showing the interest and catching up with me. To all those in the industry that have followed my recovery, I appreciate it,” he concluded.
