Kerrin McEvoy could be back riding within a fortnight – despite suffering a nasty fall in Australia on Saturday.
Godolphin’s number two sustained facial lacerations after he fell from Queen Of The Hill in the Group Two The Age Classic at Flemington.
McEvoy was blocked for room aboard Lee Freedman’s filly and, with nowhere to go, clipped the heels of Golden Jubilee Stakes winner Cape Of Good Hope.
As the Australian rider hit the deck, Queen Of The Hill and another horses stepped on the jockey, who sustained a deep wound to his forehead, and further injuries above his eye and in his mouth.
McEvoy underwent successful cosmetic surgery at Epworth Hospital on Saturday and is likely to be discharged on Tuesday.
Victoria Jockey Association executive officer Des O’Keefe revealed McEvoy is making good progress and should be back in the saddle sooner rather than later.
“If he had a good ride in a fortnight’s time I’d be more than confident he’d be okay to take it,” O’Keefe told At The Races.
“He is perfectly lucid and there are no problems about concussion or anything like that.
“The best description is that he looks like a boxer who has been in a 15-round contest and lost 14 rounds.
“His face is swollen and marked but he’ll be okay. And given the fall he’s a very, very lucky jockey.”