South Africa’s only female jockey, and a former dual national champion apprentice, Rachel Venniker could be out of action for six months after breaking her leg in an accident at Summerveld on Friday morning.
In what she termed a freak accident, Rachel was doing starting stalls work on a young filly from the Michael Roberts yard, when the incident occurred.
Rachel Venniker – taking the injury blow in her stride (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“She’s an ever so slightly nervous filly and she fly-jumped slightly as the gates opened. I lost my balance and came off, flopping clear. I didn’t realise it at the time but I broke my left leg on the kerb. Sad thing is ten centimetres either way, and I would have been okay,” she explained to the Sporting Post.
Rachel, who sounded remarkably positive, said that she was rushed to Hillcrest Hospital and was fortunate to have been wearing her long showjumping boots as she always does in work.
“The boot had the effect of keeping my damaged leg in place. My knee was badly swollen and the leg was skew. I fractured my tibia – apparently one of the hardest bones in the body. I was sedated as the pain was excruciating as the nurses tried to remove the boot. The medical staff at Hillcrest Hospital were truly amazing. I woke up a few hours later with a pin inserted from my knee to my ankle. I stayed in the hospital a few days as the pain was quite substantial. I really cannot thank Hillcrest Hospital and their personnel enough!”
Rachel is recuperating at the Venniker family home and says that as long as she can see her beloved horses in the paddock, she is content and will survive the down time.
“The Doctor said I will be off for five to six months and that I should try and stay mobile without extending myself. I am philosophical that everything happens for good reason, and I will be back before I know it. I watched Pongola win on Sunday from my hospital bed, which was a tonic! I just want the Michael Roberts yard to keep up the good form. Thanks to all the racing folk who have kindly enquired after my wellbeing. I appreciate the interest!”
