Cyril Small, famous as the rider of the great front-runner Vo Rogue, has been hospitalised after suffering a massive stroke.
Small, 67, became seriously ill on Saturday and was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital, the Queensland Jockeys’ Association confirmed via a media statement yesterday.
The former jockey’s breathing is being assisted by a ventilator, the inflammation in his brain has reduced and he is starting to show signs of improvement.
It is understood doctors will consider taking Small off the ventilator today.
“Cyril has a long journey ahead of him and will need all the fighting spirit he is famous for to get through this,” the QJA statement said.
“Braidon and Daniel (sons) rushed from Victoria (Saturday night) to be at his bedside along with his wife Lynlea, daughter Jessica as well as family friends Jeff Perry and his daughter Cymone.
“The Small family want to thank the expert care of the paramedics and the doctors and nurses at Gold Coast University hospital but have requested privacy at this time and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and will provide updates to the Queensland Jockeys’ Association through Glen Prentice in due course.”
Small had a lengthy riding career that began in 1974 when he rode his first winner at Casino. He was still riding until three years ago but he will always be known as the rider of Queensland champion Vo Rogue.
Vo Rogue, trained by the late Vic Rail, was renowned for his courageous catch-me-if-you-can efforts in a golden era of weight-for-age racing between 1987-90 when he competed with and defeated the likes of champions Super Impose, Better Loosen Up and Bonecrusher.
Small rode Vo Rogue in 22 of his 26 career wins including his six Group 1 successes – two Australian Cups, George Main Stakes, William Reid Stakes, Futurity Stakes and Winfield Stakes.
Vo Rogue also won three CF Orr Stakes and two Turnbull Stakes, races that were Group 2 at the time but have subsequently been upgraded to Group 1 level.
Small paid tribute to Vo Rogue when the champion was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2019.
“Vo Rogue had a big heart and just had a lot of natural ability,” Small said. “His front-running tactics sparked people up … I think racing needed that at the time.”
