Jockey Robbie Fradd is set to undergo triple bypass surgery in the coming days.
The confirmation of this serious health issue has necessitated Fradd backing off from all physical activity until such time as the outcome of his surgery and the long-term prognosis of his rehab and recovery period can be established.
While such a surgery is generally deemed routine in this day and age, it is still a major undertaking, with associated risks, and we will know more once the surgery has been completed.
Being under some pressure, both physically and mentally, Fradd has had the understandable inclination to indicate that his riding career is over at this stage … and certainly the odds of his returning to the saddle are very much against him, taking into account his age (he is fifty-eight), his expected long recovery period as well as the possible risk factor moving forward.
While few would bet against the fact that Fradd is unlikely to be able to come back to racing, that essentially will remain a story for another day.
Right now, Fradd’s health is obviously more important than anything else … including his riding career, which has seen him compete at the highest level in Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Hong Kong.
His record of riding Group 1 winners in no less than five of those global racing jurisdictions (Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and South Africa is quite exemplary.
Fradd’s Australian Group 1 success came aboard Tyzone in the Stradbroke Handicap while his overseas success saw him associated with outstanding horses such as Fairy King Prawn and Rocket Man.
Another huge feather in his cap was winning the Jockey Championship in Hong Kong in 2000/1.
While current events have left Fradd gazing forward with some uncertainly, looking back he gets a gold star nod approval for his proud riding record, spanning an incredible forty year period.
For now, that vigorous riding style … that always animated, post-race report back to connections (win or lose) as well as a rampant sense of humour which often softens the seriousness of the moment … will all be missed.
Racing fans around the country wish Fradd all the very best during this testing time.
