Racing News
Harris In A Race Against Health
Successful Melbourne Cup winning jockey Wayne Harris has had an unfortunate history with illnesses and injuries.
Unfortunately, his unlucky streak would continue despite the success that he has achieved. Throughout his racing career, Harris had to deal with some tough injuries such as meningitis, staff infections, two brain tumours and dislocated or broken bones.
Some of his illnesses have become so grave that he has received the last rites twice. Currently, the health battle that Harris is dealing with has something to do with his degenerative spine. This injury adds to the string of unfortunate illnesses for his long, painful and successful career. Speaking from a hospital bed in St. Vincent’s, Harris said that the injuries took an emotional toll on him.
He added that he struggled through those injuries for 25 years of his riding career and he thought that it would all go away once he retired. However, he said that he was in pain everyday and he has difficulty sleeping at night because nothing seems to be going right.
Harris’ recent confinement at St. Vincent’s is his 18th time being admitted there. He also lost count of the spine operations that were conducted on him. However, he gave a rough estimate that he already had about ten spinal operations. He described these operations as drastic major operations that is rarely ever done.
Despite the numerous injuries, Harris still commended his brilliant doctors Dr. Raymond Garrick and Dr. Malcolm Pell who have done everything among their will to improve Harris’ situation. Harris added that the problem with spinal procedures is that they are like a train wreck that can lead to more problems such as scar tissue. He added that it places a big strain on those who support him very much.
Even though Harris is not at his best physical condition, he is still showing his amazing spirit that has been evident in all of his battles in the race track and in life. He just refuses to give up. Harris also said that from his last operation, they are hoping that something positive comes out of it. He added that he is feeling better in terms of movement but it will still be assessed to find out if he can enter rehab.
Despite his condition, Harris has not wavered from his responsibility as jockey’s manager. He still keeps an eye after Scott Thurlow and the father and son team of Dale and Blake Spriggs. Harris said that looking after the younger Spriggs and taking note of what he has done at the races so far gives him pleasure.
Harris added that Blake gives him a call after every race meeting to update him about his rides and he just works hard to gain success for every race that is why dealing with him is just pleasurable. Harris also added that he sees a lot of him in Blake and his rise to fame will come sooner than later.
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