Goltz set to saddle up after long break
He has almost become the forgotten man of Toowoomba racing but Clifford Park is about to welcome back one its most familiar and successful faces.
Fourteen months after being sidelined with a debilitating knee injury, jockey Ron Goltz bounces back into the racing saddle this weekend.
Goltz’s long-awaited comeback launches today at Burgess Park where he has two rides on Lockyer Race Club’s seven-event TAB card.
Tomorrow Goltz returns to his home-track of 30 years with two rides on the Clifford Park card.
“I’ve only been to the races once since I got hurt, and that was Weetwood day last year,” Goltz said.
“But it’s good to be getting back — I’m looking forward to it.”
Goltz has been laid up since damaging the ACL and LCL in his right knee after his mount reared over behind the barriers at the Clifford Park jumpouts on November 29, 2016.
His other knee also suffered damage which led to Goltz undergoing surgery on both legs.
Goltz then had to patiently wait out 11 months of
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I’ve just given myself the best chance I can to get myself right again.
— Ron Goltz
recovery and rehabilitation before being given the green light from specialists to resume riding.
Despite his lengthy absence from the saddle, Goltz never considered retirement and his determination to resume riding was rewarded in early November when he returned to the track.
“I’ve just had to ease myself back into it and I’ve only taken a few rides this week to help get myself going again,” Goltz said.
“I’ve never had an injury like this before and it’s the type of thing that you just have to be patient with.
“I’ve just given myself the best chance I can to get myself right again.”
Goltz is due to partner Cambooya Rock and Ironborn (also a Clifford Park acceptor) at Gatton and will team with long-time supporter Richie Stephenson aboard Our Nick tomorrow at Clifford Park.