Premature End to Corey Brown's Career

Exceptional big race jockey Corey Brown, who returned a few years ago to Sydney from overseas in a blaze of glory, has finally had to accept that his riding days are over. During the past 22 months Brown has been forced to tread water, waiting and hoping for a miracle following his horror fall in the Gr1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm. According to punters.com.au, the popular hoop, who is an erudite speaker and media presenter, was advised by leading orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Cree last week with the stark fact he will never ride again. Dealing with crippling pain pending Work Cover approval, Brown will undergo key spinal surgery on Wednesday that comes with a quid pro quo: expected to alleviate his painful condition related to his T7 (shattered) and T4 (severely damaged) vertebrae, the spinal surgery means occupying the saddle from that point on is out of the question. Although disappointed that his jockey career will forever be suspended on 49 Group 1 victories, Brown acknowledges he is lucky not to be in a wheelchair for life, and he’s looking ahead to combining his current communication roles with mentoring young jockeys.