ETOBICOKE, Ontario, CMC – Established Barbadian jockey Christopher Husbands is counting his fortunate stars and questioning when he can journey once more.
The 35-year-old was severely injured when a horse flipped over on him throughout a coaching incident on July 9 on the close by Woodbine racetrack.
“I received nearly to the tunnel coming off the monitor, and I bear in mind there was a set of horses breezing previous, perhaps working five-eighths or one thing like that, and it set him off,” Husbands mentioned in regards to the two-year-old he was driving.
“He reared up first, after which he went again down, so I assumed it was throughout – however then the second time, it occurred quick, and he simply flipped over on me.”
The husband was transported to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and underwent surgical procedure on July 13 for intensive accidents sustained throughout that incident.
“I fractured my backbone in two locations and my pelvis in a number of completely different locations,” he mentioned. “My pelvis – they put a plate in and 6 screws, they usually stabilized the entrance sufficient that they didn’t have to fret with the again [of the pelvis].”
Husbands began bodily remedy two days later – first with a walker after which shortly altering over to crutches, and he might want to hold weight off his proper aspect for the following six weeks.
All through his profession, he has additionally suffered his fair proportion of accidents, from being in a coma, struggling a damaged hand, damaged ribs, and damaged shoulders.
However Husbands is aware of that he won’t return to the saddle quickly as a result of restoration can be a tough, lengthy street – however he stays hopeful that he might return to the galloping horse by the top of the yr.
“It isn’t trying like I’m going to be driving this summer time,” he mentioned. “…however I’m going to be OK.”
For now, his companion and Canadian feminine rider, Amanda Vandermeersch, a nurse earlier than taking to the irons, has helped to maintain him in a very good temper.
“Amanda has taken care of me effectively,” Husbands mentioned. “From day one, after I was right here, she was by my aspect, and I can’t thank her sufficient. She ensured I used to be all the time snug and introduced me blankets from residence.”
After making a reputation for himself on the western Canada racing circuit, Husbands moved his tack to Ontario 9 years in the past. Over the previous three seasons, he has ridden 645 winners, gained a handful of stakes races, and secured the driving title at Fort Erie.
Associated
