HORROR RACE FALL
JOCKEY BREAKS NECK
JORDAN Grob has become the second jockey to break his neck on the Gold Coast within four months.
The apprentice hoop became dislodged from the Michael Costa-trained No Hat No Play in the Maiden Handi- cap (1400m) at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday.
The four-year-old gelding made contact with the rail with 850m to run after taking an awkward stride, sending Grob to the turf.
The jockey, who was knocked out for a considerable time, was treated by medical staff and taken to Pindara Hospital.
“He broke the C3 vertebrae in his neck and is looking at eight weeks in a neck brace,” Costa said. “He will probably have three to four months on the sideline.
“He was knocked out for a long time. He could feel everything and there was never any complete worry about his spine. He will learn a bit more over the next week or so but he doesn’t need surgery.”
Grob only arrived on the Gold Coast two months ago after shifting from Melbourne and was having his third ride for Costa, and third with No Hat No Play, when the incident happened.
“He has just started to get some momentum going,” Costa said.
“That was looking like it was going to be his first winner (on Saturday). It could have been a lot worse so luckily he is OK.”
The injury comes after respected jockey Dan Griffin suffered a broken neck on May 19 when a horse he was riding reared up in the barriers and sent him into the upright.
Griffin was originally unsure he would ever ride again but got the all clear from doctors at the end of August.