Griffin laps up family life as he recovers

PREMIER Gold Coast jockey Daniel Griffin wouldn’t be able to tell you who is leading this season’s premiership.

The eight-time Gold Coast premiership winner has barely taken a glance at any racing during his stint out of the saddle as he recovers from shoulder surgery in late July.

Griffin, 36, said he was enjoying the chance to “live a normal life” that consisted of some barbecues, beers and time with his family.

“Once I was given a time frame for the recovery I tuned out of racing,” he said. “You live and breathe racing while riding so the time out means more time with the family.

“Leading up to the return I’ll work out who is going well and which trainers are having success and start working out some battle plans to come back.

“Until that time I think I’ll just chill out and enjoy the time with my family.”

The downside is his weight has gone from 55kg to 65kg.

Surgeons told Griffin the damage to his shoulder was extensive, given he chose to continue to ride last season despite tearing his rotator cuff.

Griffin hopes to be back riding trackwork in January and said he was as hungry as ever to dominate at the Gold Coast scene again.

“I’ll be back better than ever,” Griffin said. “I’m keen to get back. I’m getting older and I’m meant to be in the prime of my career and I’m sitting out.

“I’m really keen to get back on top again.”

Griffin won’t rush his rehabilitation, though.

He said the lessons he learnt from a knee operation following a fall in 2012 meant he was acutely aware of how hard he pushed himself.

“It’s a bit of a juggling act,” Griffin said. “You want to do more but you’re not allowed. One thing I learnt about injuries is how hard to push them.”