Star jockey Blake Spriggs opens up on decision to retire after devastating fall
In an emotional interview with Lizzie Jelfs for 7Horse Racing, the 33-year-old revealed that medical advice ultimately forced his hand.
Watch the full story only on Channel 7's Horse Racing coverage, live from 12pm AEST Saturday, 5 July on Seven and 7plus.
'To hear the neurologist say that if I was to have another concussion or a knock to the head it would most likely kill me, that made it pretty easy to make the decision,' Spriggs said.
The fall in January left Spriggs with a shocking list of injuries including multiple broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, a lacerated liver and a bleed on the brain.
But it was the internal damage that nearly proved fatal.
'I was essentially drowning in my own blood,' he said.
'I would've died on the track if they didn't respond quickly. I was then taken via helicopter to the hospital.'
As paramedics worked frantically to stabilise him, Blake's fiancée, KC Osborne, was at home watching the race live on television.
'When he fell, I just screamed. I didn't know if he was dead or alive,' she recalled.
'I was told by the doctor that Blake was conscious, I thought it might be bad but he's going to make it right? Then the doctor said, 'I'm not sure.'
'I just never expected to hear that. I just said well, you better get in there and save his life because he's got a two-year-old to look after.'
Since then, their young son Brooklyn has been the guiding light in Blake's recovery and one of the reasons behind his decision to step away from the sport that once defined him.
But as for any dreams of their son carrying on the family legacy in the saddle?
'No, he's not being a jockey,' KC said. 'Trust me I can't handle it.'
'We'll be looking to put a golf club or a tennis racquet in his hand,' laughed Spriggs
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Blake Spriggs is unsure if he can overcome the mental scars to have another career in racing, after he was forced to retire as a jockey at age 33 because of injuries from a fall which nearly claimed his life. Spriggs, a group 1 winner on Sir John Hawkwood in the 2016 Metropolitan, announced on Friday that he would not return to riding after being told by a neurologist that another concussion would likely kill him. The Newcastle-raised hoop, a son of long-time country jockey Dale Spriggs, was lucky to survive a horror fall at Moruya on January 27 in which he suffered bleeding on the brain, collapsed lungs, fractures in almost every rib, a haemorrhaged liver, kidney damage and a broken arm and collarbone. After spending four weeks in hospital, Spriggs has continued his recovery at home in Cronulla with his partner, KC Osborne, and their son, Brooklyn. He had mixed emotions about the end of his 17-year career, which featured 654 winners, but was relieved to make the announcement and grateful to be alive. 'I knew even before I saw the neurologist, due to my lungs which haven't fully taken shape yet, I knew my body's limitations after the fall weren't going to be the same, so I was umming and ahhing,' Sprigg said. 'I was thinking also, how could I put my family in that position again? That was a major part of thinking – do I want to go back? Probably not. Once the neurologist said that, it wasn't my decision. 'If you nearly die somewhere, people tend to be hesitant to go back there.' Blake Spriggs 'It's definitely relief ... and a little bit emotional, just seeing everyone responding in comments, particularly owners thanking me for wins on their horses and things like. It's been pretty special. 'It's been a lot of mixed emotions because it's obviously not the way any sportsperson wants to go out, but when the doctor makes that call and says a concussion would likely kill me, in a sport where concussions are highly likely, it made it an easy decision.'
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