Leading northern apprentice jockey Triston Moodley is set to return to raceday riding at Avondale next Wednesday, three months after he sustained a head injury at the Waipa trials.
The 24-year-old hoop was kicked in the head in the mounting yard at the Te Awamutu track in July and he was airlifted to Waikato Hospital where he underwent surgery to have a plate put in his head.
He remained in hospital for a week and he has been pleased with the speed of his recovery.
“It (recovery) was pretty quick,” he said. “I got out of hospital after a week and it took me a month to get back on my feet.
“Since then, it has been onwards and upwards, I am back to normal and I am back riding track work. I am just getting better and better every day.
“I have been keeping fit through my recovery. I spoke with my boss (trainer Danny Walker) this morning and we are planning on sending me to the races next Wednesday. I am looking at taking it easy and having one or two rides a meeting and go from there.”
Moodley is eager to return to raceday competition, with his appetite renewed at the Northern Apprentice Awards on Monday night where he received the Milan Park Premier Apprentice Jockey Award.
“I didn’t expect it to be honest, I thought Ace (Lawson-Carroll) got in front of me at the end, but I was very glad to get it,” he said.
“When my boss let me know, I was quite chuffed with myself. It was a hard time towards the end of the season, but to get that award, it just means a lot and makes it all worth it.”
While it was a tough end to the season, Moodley was pleased with his efforts, with his 52-win haul beating his previous season’s best of 40 wins.
He also recorded his first stakes victory aboard the Erin Hocquard-trained Spencer in the Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m) and defended his title at the apprentice-only day at New Plymouth.
“Winning the Group Three on Spencer would be my highlight,” he said. “I rode more than the previous season’s tally, so that is always a goal, to ride more than you did before, and I am glad I achieved that goal.
“That was like déjà vu (apprentice-only day). I love New Plymouth, it seems to be one of my luckier tracks.
“I appreciate all the support from all the trainers and everyone putting me on their horses. You can’t do it without them, so I am grateful for that.”
Horse racing news
