Leg break sidelines top Rocky rider for about three months

ROCKHAMPTON jockey Dale Evans is expected to be sidelined for at least three months after fracturing his leg when a horse reared and fell on him at Callaghan Park races last Thursday.

Evans 28, underwent surgery at the Rockhampton Base Hospital for the fractured right leg and has returned home for an extended period of rehabilitation.

"The doctors told me the injury time will be between eight to 10 weeks so it will be even longer before I can get back riding," Evans said.

He said a rod was inserted in the leg during surgery and it runs from "the knee to the ankle".

The injury happened behind the starting barriers when his mount Val's Bull suddenly reared and lost its footing.

"I came off and landed behind him and he then landed on me and stood all over me. It could have been much worse as he trampled on my head as well," Evans revealed.

Fortunately, compulsory safety vests and a skull cap saved him from other injuries.

Evans said the break was on the shin and above the serious ankle break he suffered on Yallah Stinger at Wilpeena races eight years ago.

"Luckily it missed that break. All in all I suppose it is not too bad," Evans said.

After returning from a stint in South Australia in September, Evans has been in dynamic winning form, enjoying 16 successes on Central Queensland and Leichhardt tracks.

Evans is the second Rockhampton jockey to be seriously injured at Callaghan Park this year. Tracy O'Hara has just returned to riding after three months off with a hip injury.