Reigning champion jockey Zac Purton has stepped down from rides at Happy Valley tomorrow night after consultations with specialists in the aftermath of his pinched nerve episode on Sunday.
Purton was seized with pain in his lower back during the running of the fourth race on Sunday, then required assistance to dismount and was stood down and sent to hospital soon after, unable to walk let alone ride.
He was positive yesterday morning on his prospects of being fit to ride tomorrow, however, he has elected to take the conservative route after seeing his regular chiropractor and physio.
"After I had some treatment, I felt good and felt like I probably could ride but, in the back of my mind, I was also wary of pushing it too much," Purton said. "It's probably a smarter idea for me to give my back a rest for a couple of days, and make sure that I will be fully ready for the weekend." Purton said he has had a long-term issue with his lower back which he keeps manageable with regular visits to his specialists.
The Jockey Club asked trainers to nominate stand-by riders for Purton's engagements at Happy Valley and they are: Olivier Doleuze on Bright Star and One Of A Kind, Ben So Tik-hung on Bright Concept, Matthew Chadwick on Born Free, Karis Teetan on Winnam and Andreas Suborics on Royal Partner, the promoted reserve in the final event.
