Lerena battles virus
Former champion jockey Gavin Lerena has been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus and is unsure about when he will be able to return to the saddle – he’s hoping in less than a month.
Lerena has not ridden competitively since 4 January because he has been suffering from “extreme fatigue and excruciatingly painful muscles, which started about a week before the International Jockeys’ Challenge in mid-November”.
He said: “It felt like my muscles were disintegrating. They were on fire and cramping, and my inflammation levels went through the roof. I rode through it because I didn’t know what was going on. It’s been frustrating because I never felt sick.
“Now I’ve been diagnosed I know I was pushing it and that I strained my muscles. At least now I know what’s wrong with me.
“There is no treatment for EBV, only rest to let the muscles repair and recover – and a healthier diet with lots of water. It could take a week or it could take six months. Nobody knows. My blood counts are better but the more time I give it the better the long-term prognosis.”
He continued: “I’m feeling a lot better this week after a course of Vitamin B injections and some homeopathic medicine to boost my immune system, so the virus is dormant – but it will always be in my system.”
He plans to go to the Geoff Woodruff stable tomorrow for coffee and to ride a single horse, which will give him some idea of where he is in his recovery.
He has had a frustrating month so far, feeling well enough to accept rides but then having to pull out at the last minute because his condition flared up.
“Plus I had some beautiful rides lined up for Met Day but it came way too soon after my diagnosis and I didn’t want to put myself under pressure to get ready,” he said. “It’s up to me when I start riding again – and I’m hoping to get back a couple of weeks after the Met, in time for the Joburg season.
“It’s frustrating because I had just got my support base back after England. Now I’m back to square one.”
Complete rest and a healthy diet for any length of time is bad news for a jockey who potentially has issues with his weight. “Yes,” he says, “I can’t run, I can’t cycle, but I do know what I can eat – I’m getting good, wholesome food but limiting my intake.”