Two years since the fall of Anthony Delpech

Remembered for his meticulous professionalism and good judgement of pace, Delpech was twice champion jockey of South Africa – in 1999 and 2003.

He rode four Durban July winners: Classic Flag (1998), Greys Inn (2004), Bold Silvano (2010) and Igugu (2011).

His long-time association with master trainer Mike de Kock helped build what was at times the epitome of South African racing excellence.

He rode with great distinction in other parts of the world, too, notably in the fiercely competitive environment of Hong Kong, where his partnership with the great Vengeance Of Rain made him a local hero.

Grade 1 international victories included the Hong Kong Derby, the QE II Stakes and the Dubai Sheema Classic.

In his social media post this week, Delpech describes in gripping detail that fateful cropper at Turffontein, agony over his injuries and treatment, his recovery and his optimism for a future in racing out of the irons:

Looking back
Two years ago, on Saturday 7 April 2018, my life changed forever. This was the day I fell off Majestic Mambo during the SA Classic at Turffontein.
Sometimes in racing, there are decisions you make and you get away with. This was one split decision I made, and it ended my career.

The fall
I can remember just before we turned into the straight, I was going extremely well. The horse on my outside was actually struggling and I was three-quarters of a length on his inside. For me to go on his outside, obviously I had to pull my horse back and go around him, and I felt I would have lost the race if I had done that.
So, instead, I patiently waited for running room to open and, as I felt the room was there (and I had so much horse), I thought it was fine to have a go.
However, as soon as I started to go for my run, the horse on my inside started moving outward and by the time I noticed him it was too late for me to try and get out of it. My horse clipped heels and I went down.

The hospital
When I was taken from the course, I was ambulanced to casualty, instead of the trauma unit (which was a mistake). My arms were three times the size they were normally before they performed an MRI scan.
The doctor in casualty actually wanted to discharge me that night. Despite me vomiting from the concussion, the doctor still insisted, “I’ve told you, from the X-ray nothing is wrong. You can go home.”
Subsequent medical examinations revealed my injuries were much more serious than first thought and I was diagnosed with a disc herniation and a damaged spinal cord.
It took three days after I was hospitalised before they would operate on me. Had the pressure been released on my spine earlier, I wouldn’t be experiencing the nerve pain I still have today.
My biggest disappointment was that if everything had been handled properly, from the racecourse to the hospital, I would probably still be riding today.

Retirement
At the time of the accident, I was well clear in that year’s jockey championship title race with 136 winners and was riding at the top of my game.
Earlier on that Classic Day, I had ridden Bold Eagle to victory in the Grade 3 Protea Stakes. Unfortunately for me, that would be the last winner I would ride in my career.
I attempted to make a comeback to the saddle in January 2019, when I managed to work a few horses at Summerveld. I felt good, but a few days after the nerve pain became unbearable.
Subsequent advice from my doctor spelled out that continuing to ride would aggravate my difficulties and could leave me with permanent damage.
Therefore, I took the hardest decision in my life, and decided to retire from riding.

A bright future
Two years down the line, I’ve decided to look at the positive things in my life. If things had gone differently, I could have ended up in a wheelchair (or worse). I still have my life. I still have my health. And, more importantlym I still have my three beautiful children and wife who have been such an incredible support.
And, finally, after two years, I have found what I am truly passionate about doing. Joining my new team at Hollywoodbets is my new passion. Being their new horse racing ambassador and assisting with their horses, I get to be back on course, back at the stables, and back rubbing shoulders with the people in the industry I love. It’s part of what I know and, more importantly, part of who I am.
They say in life there is a second chapter, and this is the second chapter in my life! The future is bright, and I look forward to the ride!

The video of Delpech’s SA Classic accident can be seen via a link on the Sporting Post website.

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