Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Josh Parr feared his riding career was over

In the past three months, there have been times when Josh Parr feared his riding career was over, moments when he contemplated a fate even worse.

But the popular jockey has come through the other side and will make his long-awaited return to Sydney racing on Saturday, in time for the first Group One meeting of the season.

Shortly after winning a race at Warwick Farm in May, Parr experienced searing pain in his shoulder.

For weeks, he could barely move his left arm and a diagnosis was proving difficult.

“The pain was extreme, nothing like I have experienced before,” Parr said.

“The loss of strength and loss of movement was quite scary because there was a period there for a couple of weeks where my left arm was so weak, I couldn’t pick up a pen to write my name.

“As you can imagine, so many things crossed my mind. It is natural for people to think the worst, it’s hard not to.”

Parr was eventually diagnosed with brachial neuritis, an uncommon affliction characterised by severe pain and loss of function in some nerves.

He was prescribed a course of heavy medication along with intensive physiotherapy and thankfully for the jockey, his body responded.

He had his first race ride at Newcastle two weeks ago in what he labelled “the big test” and came through it with flying colours.

He took last weekend off to ensure his arm still felt strong and was due to ride at Thursday’s Rowley Mile meeting at Hawkesbury until his mounts were scratched.

But he will be back in action at Randwick with four rides, including aboard one of his favourite horses Quackerjack in the Group One Winx Stakes (1400m).

“Dive straight into the deep end, that’s the way to do it,” Parr said.

“It’s a cracker field. He’s up against the best horses going around at the moment and he’s going to have to produce a very good performance but as far as we can see he’s in good shape.”

Parr also has three rides for trainer Bjorn Baker, highlighted by last-start winner Kiss The Bride who is among the fancied runners in the opening race.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au