Zahra returns to racing after Caulfield Cup fall

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 02:09 · Archive

Jockey Mark Zahra has recovered from a hospital stay following a Caulfield Cup fall and is riding three horses on Victoria Derby day.

Star jockey Mark Zahra has recovered from severe bruising to his lung and ribs after a fall at Caulfield and is ready to ride on Victoria Derby day. The two-time Melbourne Cup winner was sent to hospital two weeks ago when he fell from Half Yours whilst competing in the Caulfield Cup. Another horse, Ohope Wins, was brought down and euthanised as a result of an injury from what was reviewed as a racing incident, with all jockeys cleared of fault.

Zahra sat out Cox Plate day under doctors' orders but said he is now prepared to return to racing. 'I was angry,' Zahra said. 'I thought it was going to run really well and I had some cracking dinner reservations that night, but I had to spend it in hospital.' He described the break as 'a blessing' given his busy week ahead.

Last year, Zahra won four consecutive races on Derby day, including two of the three Group 1 events. On Saturday he rides Vallice and The Next Episode, both trained by Ciaron Maher, in the $3 million Victoria Derby and $2 million Coolmore Stud Stakes respectively. He also partners with Idle Flyer for Matthew Smith in the $1 million Empire Rose Stakes.

How it is being reported

• Fit-again Zahra eyes repeat of Derby day successMark Zahra was angry after his nasty Caulfield Cup fall but has recovered from severe bruising and rates his chances of success on Victoria Derby day.The West Australian · 30 Oct, 01:52
• Fit-again Zahra eyes repeat of Derby day successMark Zahra was angry after his nasty Caulfield Cup fall but has recovered from severe bruising and rates his chances of success on Victoria Derby day.Perth Now · 30 Oct, 01:52

In this story: Mark Zahra · Ciaron Maher · Matthew Smith · The Next Episode · Vallice · Idle Flyer · Flemington

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