Barend Vorster, the star jockey from South Australia, is still battling with the symptoms of a concussion that he suffered in the mounting yard at Morphettville on February 18. Despite the head knock seeming like a minor incident, Vorster has been experiencing severe headaches, constant ringing in his ears, and dizziness since the accident. The reigning John Letts Medal winner has undergone numerous scans over the past weeks to address these issues, but to no avail.
According to Vorster, his condition is still fluctuating, with some days being better than others. He stated, “I am still taking it day by day as one is good and the next is pretty average. We’re sitting here 10 weeks later and there isn’t much improvement.” The lack of progress has been frustrating for the South African native, who remains in third place on the South Australian jockey’s premiership table, having ridden 52 winners this season.
Before he even contemplates a return to racing, Vorster is focusing on restoring his health and returning to a normal routine. Regular physio appointments and dry needling treatments on his neck are among the measures he is undertaking to release tension in the nerves. Despite his efforts, there is still no timeline for his return to the saddle, leaving the jockey in a state of uncertainty.
