Kerrin McEvoy to return in May after scary Golden Slipper Day accident

Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy has announced that he is planning on returning to Australian horse racing some time in late May of this year. The 43-year-old has been sidelined since March 23 after suffering a spinal fracture from a fall on Golden Slipper Day in the Birthday Card Stakes at Rosehill.  
 
While severe, McEvoy’s injuries didn’t require surgery, so he expects to be back sooner, rather than later.  

McEvoy opens up after injury 

Kerrin McEvoy has maintained a relatively low-profile after his fall in the Birthday Card Stakes on March 23 in Rosehill. This weekend, however, the 43-year-old was spotted at Randwick watching two of his sons, Rhys and Jake, compete in pony races at the NSW racetrack.  
 
McEvoy opened up about his journey towards recovering from his spinal fracture that he suffered on Golden Slipper Day. 
 
“The fracture was to the back wing (the C6 vertebrae) and the doctor was pretty happy with it. It was stable,” McEvoy revealed.  

Jockey sets date on return 

While at Randwick, McEvoy also spoke about his return to racing, giving an estimated date on when racing fans can expect to see him back.  
 
“I had a scan a couple of weeks ago that he was happy with, then I see him again next week and hopefully I might be back riding trackwork in the middle of May. I had a good rest initially because it was quite stiff and sore, but I’ve felt nice improvement each week which is positive,” the veteran jockey said.  
 
Despite his positive comments, McEvoy was also cautious about being too optimistic about his return.  
 
The Australian also said, “It has been a month today, so I’ll just build up and get fit again. I’d rather get feeling good again and if I have to give it another week or two, so be it.” 

McEvoy talks up the next generation

While his focus was undoubtedly on his return, McEvoy was also keen to talk about his kids’ success and the next generation of horse racing.  
 
Neither Rhys and Jake won the blue ribbon on Saturday, but McEvoy was happy to celebrate the National Pony Racing Series Finals at Randwick.  
 
The National Pony Racing Series Finals at Randwick is a series put on in part by the Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia to inspire the next generation of racers, breeders, trainers, and others in the horse racing industry.  

“The kids were taking the pony’s temperatures, heart rates, filling out forms morning and afternoon and learning about caring for their ponies as well as getting them fit for the race,” McEvoy said of the event. “It was great to see all the kids with smiles on their faces.”