Chantal Sutherland’s long road back from an horrific injury which threatened to end her successful career is nearly over.
The hugely popular jockey, former reality star and model, has not ridden in a race since she was involved in a freak accident at Gulfstream Park in Florida in May 2023.
She had just completed a race, steering her mount to finish fourth in a stakes event when they were confronted by two geese crossing the course from the infield lake.
Her horse spooked and Sutherland was thrown off, landing with such impact that she broke the humerus bone clean off her shoulder.
Describing the injury at the time, she said : “When I looked down at my arm, it wasn’t attached. It was really far away from my body. It was surreal. I grabbed my arm and knew this wasn’t good.”
She was taken to hospital where she underwent surgery to have the humerus bone reattached and a plate inserted.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time.
Since then the 48-year-old’s recovery has taken far longer than initially expected. At one point Sutherland, who has ridden more than 1,200 winners of more than £46 million in prize-money, feared she might never get back on a horse.
However after undertaking 18 months of physio and gym work, she has returned to the saddle as an exercise rider in the UAE for Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Bhupat Seemar.
After several weeks riding out she is ready to start in a race again. In a recent interview with Thoroughbred Racing Commentary , said: “I didn’t think I’d be race-riding this soon but I feel super ready.”
On Friday Sutherland has the mount on the Seemar-trained two-year-old newcomer Pocket Phone at Meydan in Dubai.
In a text she told Mirror Racing: “Santa has almost made this a fabulous Christmas . A winner or run very well would be my wish.”
This news appeared first on @Mirror
