Mjoka

Henk Steenkamp

The operation was a success but a long recovery road lies ahead for jockey Mpumelelo Mjoka.

He underwent surgery on Saturday after a horrible fall in the Listed Milkwood Stakes at the Fairview Polytrack on Friday.

Mjoka had a fractured femur and three vertebrae in his lower back.

"The doctor is very happy with the operation on my leg. Luckily no surgery was required for my lower back which should heal in time," Pummie, who was in good spirits, said from his bed in Greenacres Hospital in Gqeberha on Sunday night.

He drove from Cape Town for the one ride on Porque Te Vas which fractured her left fore during the race

"It happened so quickly. At first I didn't know what happened.

"Louie (Mxothwa) phoned me later and told me I was lucky to be alive as horses went over me after I fell.

"I should return to Cape Town on Tuesday. I just need a physio session or two before I will be discharged.

"It should be three to six months before I will be able to return to the saddle," Mjoka said.

He thanked all the medical stuff and racing people who assisted him and his family.