BEAUDESERT horse rider Sheree Drake says her career as a jockey has come to an end after 14 years of racing.
Her fate was sealed when Ms Drake sustained a racing injury last year.
She was riding Lord Reggae to the barriers at a Lismore track when she was knocked off and landed on her feet before the horse was spooked, lunged forward and consequently crushed her ankle in 18 different places.
Ms Drake had undergone more than 14 surgeries and said she nearly lost her leg in the process of healing.
She described her journey as an excruciating experience that had taken an emotional toll on her.
Ms Drake, who is still recovering nine months on from the incident, said her days as a jockey were over but was hopeful for the future.
“Hopefully I can come back as a trackwork rider if I can get some movement in my leg,” she said.
Looking back at her career, Ms Drake said she was proud with her achievements, including out riding her country claim in the first year as an apprentice and riding four winners and making a second in one night in Toowoomba.
You are never too old to go after what you want.
- Rider Sheree Drake
Ms Drake said after experiencing many injuries over her racing career, she must have run out of luck.
“I’m disappointed that I won’t ride as a jockey again but I’m happy with the career that I had for my age,” she said.
“I’m getting older and to say I have had so many injuries – having a double hip replacement and broke my back and collar bone – and was still able to ride until the leg did the trick, it’s been pretty great.”
Ms Drake broke racing records, achieved the title of leading apprentice at Ipswich one year and paved the way for mature riders after she spent years battling for a license to become a jockey at the age of 40.
She said Racing Queensland stewards were hesitant due to safety reasons but her determination proved successful.
“I wanted to become a jockey because I was doing all the work with horses and I felt I knew them as much as anybody, I was the perfect weight and I wanted to ride them in races,” she said.
“Getting my license just goes to show you can do whatever you want to do once you have your mind set.
“You are never too old to go after what you want.”
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
