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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