Peter Robl escapes serious injury after Scone fall

Top Sydney jockey Peter Robl has escaped serious injury following a nasty fall at Scone yesterday, but will still be out of action for at least a month.

Peter Robl will be out of the saddle for possibly a month after a nasty fall at Scone.

Peter Robl will be out of the saddle for possibly a month after a nasty fall at Scone. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Robl and apprentice Rachael Murray were both dislodged shortly after the start of the first race at Scone after Robl’s saddle slipped on In My Image which then began to buck and catapulted the jockey high into the air, resulting in a heavy fall.

While Murray’s mount Abbey News got caught up in the aftermath forcing her to be dislodged.

It was originally though that Robl had sustained serious spinal injuries but after being airlifted to Newcastle’s John Hunter hospital by helicopter, the popular jockey was later released.

Murray was originally treated on course but later went to Scone hospital after complaining of severe headaches.

Robl was released from hospital last night after being cleared of any fractures or breaks but will visit a specialist today for a further examination after still experiencing tingles down his arm.

”I told the ambulance bloke I was in trouble, and then my toes began to burn in my boots,” Robl told The Daily Telegraph after being discharged.

“The ambo said, ‘the burning in the toes is the best thing that could happen to you’.

“The saddle slipped as soon as we jumped, and after five or six strides, she began to buck.

“I gave myself a ‘one out of 10’ for my landing.

“I reckon I’ve spent too much time in the city because when I was in the bush, I would have taken control of a bucking horse like that.

“I wish I could get back on her next week, just to show her who’s boss. But I’ll be out now for two to three weeks.”

Robl had gone to Scone to ride for Warwick Farm trainer David Vandyke who had three runners at the meeting, including In My Image.

“When he went up I thought he was going to come down on his feet and army roll. We were all in shock. It wasn’t until I got into the stewards room I heard a helicopter was coming for him,” Vandyke said.

Country rider Mitchell Bell was the beneficiary of Robl’s bad luck and was able to kick home three year old Third Degree for Vandyke in the very next race.

Third Degree was the best of Vandyke’s three runners and was the one that encouraged Robl to travel to Scone to ride.

“He rode her in both her trials for me and really liked her,” Vandyke said.

“It is good to get a win with her but in the big picture this has not been a good day.”

Robl will be out of the saddle for a least a month to recuperate from the shake up and connections will have to find replacements riders for his six mounts at Randwick tomorrow, including three from the Vandyke stable.

Robl also had a ride in the feature race on the card, the $250,000  Inglis Classic (1200m), and was down to partner $101 chance Armageddon On It for Geelong trainer Chris Calthorpe.

Robl has ridden twenty-three winner’s this season on Sydney Metropolitan tracks and has established himself in the top ten riders in Sydney since moving from the country several years ago.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.