POPE'S RETURN IMMINENT

Jockey Ken Pope is hoping to receive a clearance to resume riding today.

He has an appointment to see a specialist who will make that call, which could put an end to a frustrating three months out of the saddle for the seasoned rider.

Pope was riding a horse for trainer Mick Mair in work when it shattered a leg and sent Pope crashing to the ground. The horse then rolled onto Pope, causing severe injuries.

“The horse rolled on me and I injured my neck in two places. I broke my back in two places. I broke my sternum,” said Pope.

“I also tore a whole lot of muscles, which, strangely enough, are now probably the biggest problem. They are not one hundred percent. They are still sore.”

Pope injuries did not require any surgery. He did wear a neck brace for a month, but the main factor in his rehabilitation was rest.

“I was not allowed to do anything at all,” stated Pope. “I had to give my body a complete rest so that my injuries could heal. I couldn’t lift anything ... I couldn’t even go fishing.”

Should Pope get the green light to resume riding today, he plans to start riding track-work tomorrow.

His return to race riding will take that bit longer.

“I will be back in the saddle tomorrow if I get my clearance,” confirmed Pope. “I guess it will take another month before I can get back into race action.

“I’ll need that time to slowly build up my fitness again and also my muscles need to heal completely. But, overall, things are looking good,” concluded Pope.