RISING apprentice jockey Tajay Suckoo will be sidelined for a minimum of five weeks after suffering a fractured ankle in a fall during morning exercises two Saturdays ago.

Suckoo, currently ranked fifth in the jockeys championship, was aboard a two-year-old when the incident occurred. As he neared the six-furlong post his mount reacted suddenly upon seeing another horse lying on the ground. The startled horse bolted towards the inside rail, unseating Suckoo in the process.The injured Suckoo was promptly transported by ambulance to the hospital where medical personnel determined the extent of the injury. After a lengthy wait for medical attention, Suckoo expressed his concerns.

“It took a long time, a really long time for the medical team to attend to me,” Suckoo said.

Following several tests the diagnosis confirmed a fractured ankle, and the injured area was placed in a cast.

Suckoo’s doctor advised him to return in five weeks for reassessment, marking a mandatory period of rest ahead for the talented young rider.

Reflecting on the incident, Suckoo admitted that the experience was painful but accepted it as part of a jockey’s reality.

“Yes, it was painful, very painful. The pain eased somewhat after treatment and painkillers but even now it’s still uncomfortable. As jockeys, we know these things can happen and we just have to deal with them,” said Suckoo.

With his recovery journey now underway Suckoo will focus on rehabilitation regarding his injury before making his return to competitive racing.