Jarred Samuel – second chance at life
On 4 December 2015, young KZN jockey Jarred Samuel suffered a horror fall when his mount, Kom Naidoo-trained Fly Away With Me, clipped heels in the closing stages of 4th race on the Greyville card, bringing Samuel down hard and resulting in a traumatic head injury.
Jarred was rushed to St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban where he was in an induced coma for several days. Although discharged on Monday, 14 December, after still being disoriented and complaining of pain, following additional x-rays and CT scans, Jarred was readmitted to a medical facility close to home, where he spent several more weeks receiving medical care before finally being discharged for good.
Injury and rehabilitation
“The specialists were worried as my head injuries were quite serious, but I’ve pulled through nicely and they are impressed with how I have recovered,” he told the Sporting Post earlier today. “Unfortunately, a month after I was discharged the second time, we picked up that I had a fractured spine. When I’d gone to my GP and explained that I was in pain, he said that it was my ribs and that it should heal up fine. It did up to a point, but when things stopped improving I went back to the GP who sent me for X-rays and picked up that I actually had a fractured spine and needed to wear a back brace for a while. That’s why my recovery got extended and why I ended up being off for such a long time.”
On 2 August 2016, Jarred was given the all clear to get back in the saddle and work began in earnest to get back to race riding. “My specialist recommended gymming and swimming, so I’ve been back to Virgin Active and doing all that and eventually started running as well, so fitness-wise I was doing pretty well, but racing fit is another level and I’d just like to thank all the friends, trainers and owners that helped.”
Jarred and Trisha
Apart from a traumatic head injury and a fractured spine, Jarred’s break from racing did hold some happy events too and he proposed to his long standing partner, Trisha Dhipnarain on 18 June 2016. “Trisha was with me in hospital every day. My family travelled up to be with me and lots of people came to visit. All around me, the people and support was different class and I really appreciate all that.”
Jarred returned to races on 4 September 2016, 9 months to the day after his accident. With a card of 4 rides, starting off with the Paul Gadsby-trained Expresso Martini, Jarred also managed a pick up ride for Weiho Marwing on the appropriately named Beyond Limits, to finish just under a length in 4th. “The day I started race riding again was the 9 month anniversary of the accident. Nine months ago I was helpless, on life suport and here I was, back on a horse again. It was quite an achievement. I had 4 rides on that card, plus a pick up ride for Mr Mawing which finished 4th, so it was not a bad day at all.”
Some wins are just a little sweeter than others – Jarred Samuel wins on La Vida Banco
Better yet, less than a month after his comeback, he was back in the winner’s enclosure for the first time at Scottsville on Sunday, 2 October 2016, cruising to a 2 length victory on Weiho Marwing-trained La Vida Banco in the silver and blue colours of Messrs H Adams, D Chinsammy and S Mathen. Jarred says, “At the end of the day, all the prayers counted. From being on life support and in a coma, here I am talking and walking and riding again. I literally have a second chance at life. I feel very blessed.”
For those wondering what happened to Fly Away With Me (the filly Jarred clipped heels on), he confirms that she suffered a fractured hind leg, but was fortunately able to be saved and has been retired to stud.
Race replay (because some things are worth watching again)
