After a horrifying mid-race fall in which he fractured his arm at Fairview on Tuesday, jockey Marco van Rensburg has been discharged from Greenacres Hospital in Gqeberha and now commences the frustrating road to recovery and a return to the saddle.
Seen at Fairview today – Marco van Rensburg is on the road to recovery (Pic – Pauline Herman)
“As Purple Operator went down I tried desperately to bring his head up. But it happened so quickly. I broke the arm just back of the wrist. The surgeon was happy that the operation to re-do the wrist and sort out the split and broken bones was a success. I have to return in two weeks for him to re-open it and check the plates and stitches. Six weeks off is a minimum I would guess. But thank you to all of those who have reached out to enquire about my progress. I appreciate the interest and kindness.”
The 41-year-old from Sasolburg is something of a bionic man, having broken a litany of bones from clavicles to arms, wrists and other precious parts over his quarter century in the saddle.
Like any jockey, he accepts that accidents and injuries are a part of life when dealing with equine and human flesh and blood in a competitive sport.
But the former Champion Apprentice tells the Sporting Post that he is concerned that the Fairview polytrack, a surface he and many of his colleagues have long regarded as one of the finest in South Africa, could possibly be in need of attention in certain areas.
“One can expect horses to jar up, as that’s in the nature of the surface. But the sad incident with Purple Operator at around the 1000m marker on Tuesday was the third in the space of as many months within approximately 100m of each other. That warrants investigation and attention to my mind and I will be drawing this to the attention of the Stipes today,” he added
In February last year concerns from jockeys regarding the safety of the Fairview turf pull-up area, in what was termed the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ by some, was addressed by 4Racing and the National Horseracing Authority after a spate of falls in short time.
The frustrating reality after the Purple Operator tragedy for Marco Van Rensburg, who rides comfortably at 53,5kgs, was that he was working hard and enjoying a good season with 47 wins (including a Gr2 and Gr3) achieved at a win strike-rate of 11,19%.
He says that any injury and time away from the saddle is a ‘setback.’
“I always say it could have been worse – I didn’t’ break my neck and I live to fight another day. I have had my fair share of injuries – it’s an occupational hazard. But I was in a good rhythm and it takes more than the 6 or 8 weeks to recover and regain the positive momentum. Race riding fitness is a factor, then some trainers may feel there could be a loss of nerve. I have always bounced back better and I will do so this time again!” he adds with enthusiasm.
Marco’s first career winner was at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 17 December 2000 when the Krusenstern filly Pearly Queen won for trainer Dennis Bosch.
