Episode 569: Blake Spriggs - One year on from life threatening Moruya race fall

Blake Spriggs answered immediately when I tried his mobile number one day last week. What a delight it was to hear such clarity, sparkle and fluency in the voice of a man who this time last year had his Doctors gravely concerned. Medical professionals who played even the smallest part in the former jockey’s rehabilitation continue to marvel at his attitude, determination and rate of recovery from an endless list of injuries.  Blake had prepared himself well by the time neurosurgeons delivered the heartbreaking news that his riding career was over.   The articulate thirty three year old joins us on the podcast, to look back on an ordeal that all jockeys hope will never befall them.   Blake says every member of his medical team has expressed surprise at the rate of his recovery. You’ll be amazed to learn what he can do just one year on from the worst kind of race fall. He says more than two weeks passed before he had any knowledge of the damage to his body. You might feel squirmish as Blake recounts the long list of injuries. Blake focuses on the brain bleed that convinced Doctors he would be wise to abandon any thoughts of a comeback. He pays homage to his dedicated physiotherapist and reveals some amazing coincidences about his stay in Canberra Hospital. Not surprisingly a few months into his rehabilitation he started to think about the horse or horses he’d miss the most. Blake says one horse stood out. Blake was happy to reminisce about his 17 year career as a jockey. He begins by paying tribute to his father Dale Spriggs who rode close to 3000 winners in a 40 year career. He remembers riding in many races with Dale and one particular quinella they provided. The former jockey talks of his sporting prowess during schooldays. Blake pays tribute to his late grandfather who taught him valuable lessons about horse management. He talks of his initial apprenticeship to Newcastle trainer Steve Hodge and the thrill of winning on the occasion of his very first race ride. He looks back on a transfer to the Waterhouse stable and a short time with Jason Deamer at Newcastle, Blake fondly remembers the magical day at Rosehill as a 3kg claiming apprentice when he rode five winners. He takes us through all five wins. He acknowledges some of the horses who helped him along the way with special mention of his Gr 1 Metropolitan win on Sir John Hawkwood. Blake acknowledges the support of his mother Leanda who managed him during the early part of his career. Brother Dustin and sister Dimity also receive an honourable mention. He looks back on a Moree Cup win viewed by his late grandfather. Blake says he was inspired by many during his long and lonely recovery, none more than son Brooklyn who only recently turned three. He’s currently contemplating life after racing and is happy to have gained some business knowledge during his time as co-owner of a Sydney used-car dealership. He hopes to put that knowledge to good use going forward.  This is an uplifting chat with a very gutsy former jockey.