Top jockey injured in ‘freak schooling accident’ days after reaching ‘special milestone’ of 1,000 winners
DARYL JACOB is facing another spell on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone in a ‘freak schooling accident’ at Henry de Bromhead’s yard.
The 41-year-old had reached a ‘very, very special’ milestone when riding his 1,000 winner at Ayr on Saturday.
But his fortunes changed dramatically just days later, and the 41-year-old described the frustration he felt in his Sporting Life column.
He said: “I didn’t need a reminder of the highs and lows my job can bring but this week I’ve had another one.”
It has been a turbulent few months for Jacob, who returned to full fitness from another broken collarbone and shoulder surgery less than a month ago.
He picked up the injuries in a fall at Newbury last March that saw him sidelined for the rest of the season.
And in October, the jock announced he would be hanging up his boots at the end of this season and was hoping to ‘enjoy’ his riding.
He said: “From the thrill of riding the 1000th winner of my career at Ayr on Saturday, I am now facing a spell on the sidelines.
“I suffered a broken collarbone in a freak schooling accident at Henry De Bromhead’s on Monday and will see the specialist on Wednesday.
“I’ll know more after I see him but it’s so frustrating having been out for a few months towards the end of last season.
“All the hard work that went in to getting fit again felt so worthwhile when Ottizzini won at the weekend – now I have to get ready to do it all again.
“But I will, there’s so much to look forward to this season and some lovely horses to ride.
“Timing wise it sucks, but I’ll be led by the medical team and do everything I can to get back as soon as possible.”
There was an outpouring of support on X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to Jacob’s post which read: “Our sport can be heartbreaking”.
One punter said: “You couldn’t write it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Another added: “Noooo, what rotten luck. Wishing you a quick recovery and hope to see you back on the racecourse soon.”
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