Victorian jockey Chris Symons could be sidelined for four to six weeks after an unusual accident crushed his foot leaving up to two and possibly more fractures.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Symons was packing his riding gear into the boot of his car after the races at Sale on Wednesday when a car driven by apprentice Tom Sadler accidently backed towards Symons.
The senior jockey made an instant decision and jumped into his boot to escape the approaching vehicle, but unfortunately he left his left foot outside the boot and this was crushed when the vehicle crashed into his.
After X-Rays and scans at hospital in Melbourne the fractures were revealed leaving Symons with a very swollen foot and possibly missing the Caulfield Carnival week, Cox Plate Carnival and even the Melbourne Cup week commencing on November 2nd.
“I was pretty lucky now that I look back at it that I actually jumped into the boot of the car. Had I not I probably would have been pinned and snapped both my legs,” said Symons on Sky Sports Radio.
“It was an accident and obviously I am pretty upset that it has happened, but accidents do happen, but I am not dirty on the person, Tommy Sadler, who did it. He is just a young kid learning how to drive and he did not at all mean it.
“It was an accident and we just have to move on. I feel for him as well, obviously he did not mean it.
“I am just hoping they do not have to operate on it."
Symons is currently fifth equal with Craig Newitt, Michael Walker and Michael Rodd on the Melbourne metropolitan championship.
A number of riding replacements will be made for Symons' rides over the weekend including Velonski at Moonee Valley where he is replaced by Damien Oliver. In Race six at Mornington on Saturday Oliver replaces Symons on Buddy Amazing.
