Veteran jockey Neville Wilson is hoping to avoid a second operation after taking his first steps since an horrific race fall at Geelong.
Wilson has already had neck surgery after fracturing his C3 and C4 vertebrae in last Friday’s fall from The Wind Whistler, whose saddle rolled sideways in the GRC Function and Event Centre Maiden Plate (1100m).
Victoria’s oldest active jockey, Wilson 64, also fractured his right shoulder and left thumb.
“It was a very hard fall and I’m still very sore,” Wilson said from the Alfred Hospital.
“I’m walking around a bit gingerly with a bit of help, but at least I can walk. That is the main thing.”
Wilson said doctors were looking to do another CT scan for further assessment of his injuries but he was hopeful of being discharged from hospital by the end of the week.
“I have got fractures in the right shoulder but I don’t think it is too bad,” Wilson said.
“I think it will knit pretty quick but the neck is the one that is going to take the time.
“By the way the doctors are talking I will be home by the end of the week but it just depends on what they want to do.”
Wilson said it was too early to know of he would ride again.
“I won’t make a decision until later on,” Wilson said.
“I will just see how my body comes through this.”
Wilson, who also runs a family dairy farm at Camperdown in western Victoria, has ridden more than 2000 winners and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2009.
The Neville Wilson Medal was named in his honour and presented for the first time last season to Victoria’s leading country rider.
AAP TURF
