Martin Harley eyes horseback return in remarkable recover

Donegal jockey Martin Harley is making remarkable progress following a horrific fall in Australia.

The Trentagh man fell while riding in Doomben and sustained neck fractures. Harley came off Deferential when heels clipped early in a race.

The 33-year-old fractured his C0, C1 and C2. He also injured his shoulder blade, two of his ribs and also had a small bleed on the brain.

While medics initially suspected that Harley might need a long road to recovery, the tough 2015 Kin’s Stand Stakes and 2012 Irish 1,000 Guineas winner already has his sights on a return to horseback.

“I’m doing well, thank God,” Harley, who left hospital after just two days.

Great to see Royal Ascot winning jockey, Martin Harley, dominating his recovery after a recent, nasty fall... pic.twitter.com/mLptGLQ8F8

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) February 3, 2023

“Thankfully we didn’t have to go for an operation because the chances are I might have never been able to ride again.”

Harley, his head and neck supported by a halo, shared news of his recovery.

Harley moved to Brisbane in late 2022 after securing a sponsorship deal - and he is aiming to be in the saddle inside eight weeks.

He said: “With this, I’ll make a full recovery, thank God, and we’ll be back on horseback in no time.

“The point I’m getting at is don’t be feeling sorry for yourself, sitting on the sofa. Keep yourself going. Good for the mind and good for the body.”