Injury makes Bernard Fayd’Herbe take a break

Jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe is on the disabled list for about a month as he gives an injured shoulder time to heal.

The shoulder had been troubling him for some time and he did not have vigorous use of his arm as a result – a recent MRI scan revealed a tear in the rotator cuff.

His doctor has advised rest and physiotherapy to promote recovery. Taking a break from riding during August, which is one of the quieter spells on the racing programme, suits Fayd’Herbe, who wants to get back to full function by Spring when the action starts to hot up in the Cape.

He is scheduled to start race riding again on 1 September.

Of course, injuries are an occupational hazard for all raceriders, and Fayd’Herbe has endured his share of broken noses, feet, fingers and even a fractured back.

Tall for a jockey, he has also fought a battle with the scales but has remained dedicated to a profession that he born into as grandson of famous jockey, Tiger Wright.

His early association with Mike Bass was filled with success.

These notably included legendary galloper, Pocket Power.

And over the last few months he has enjoyed another productive partnership with Justin Snaith.

The two big horses he has ridden this past season come from those respective yards.

Marinaresco won the Durban July under top weight for Bass Racing, while high-class Snaith inmate, African Night Sky reprised Pocket Power’s feat when sweeping the Winter Series at Kenilworth.

Fayd’Herbe typically downplays these winning achievements, saying for example that it was “just luck” things fell so perfectly into place for Marinaresco.

Yet, that ride also showcased Fayd’Herbe’s impressive range of attributes.

He possesses an understanding of the peculiar quirks of the horse he is riding, a staunch big race temperament.