Delpech calls it quits on advice from the doctor

Former South African champion jockey Anthony Delpech has officially retired from the saddle.

The announcement yesterday was a surprise, coming soon a er news Delpech had successfully worked horses at Summerveld last week and hinted at an imminent return to race riding following a lengthy injury break.

Delpech, who will turn 50 on 10 February, returned to the training centre after 10 gruelling months of recovery following injuries incurred in a fall at Turffontein last April.

He reported that he felt strong, with a good grip on the reins, last week.

However, a visit to the doctor forced him to change his plans.

He explained: “As I noted last week, everything was fine, except for a burning sensation in my right leg, but my doctor on Tuesday recommended that I never get on horseback again. He said the burn in my leg is caused by pressure on the spine which will only get worse, it will be aggravated and potentially result in permanent damage if I push it and force myself to return to the jockeys’ ranks.

“He said my neck had healed completely, but my spine was damaged. I’d be putting myself and others in danger if I were to ride in races again. I spent Wednesday contemplating this and I haven’t spoken to many people, it is terrible for me.”

Delpech won Grade 1 races all over the world in a distinguished career that started in 1982.He holds the South African re-cord for 334 wins in a single sea-son.

– www.turfalk.co.za

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