From harrowing injury to Derby triumph - Wayne Lordan recounts the accident that potentially robbed him of his stellar Derby win
Jockey Wayne Lordan's Near-Fatal Ride in the Irish Derby: The Unforgettable Comeback
Remember Wayne Lordan's electrifying win at Epsom? Well, his extraordinary career took a turn for the worse just two years ago at the Irish Derby in 2023. The talented jockey was shattered when his mount, San Antonio, broke down mid-race, causing a devastating collision that left him unconscious and fighting for his life[1].
Lordan exclusively spoke about his harrowing incident and triumphant return to racing in a heartfelt interview with Racing Post this past weekend. He candidly discussed his tumultuous journey, including the heart-stopping fall, grueling recovery, and seizing the coveted Derby win[2].
That fateful day at the Curragh racecourse, riding a 16-1 longshot, San Antonio, Lordan's career hung in the balance. When his mount fractured a foreleg and unseated him, the impact sent him crashing to the turf, leaving him unconscious with fractures to his legs, elbow, and a horrific laceration to his arm[3]. While the incident rendered him unconscious, it's perhaps best that he doesn't remember the terrifying incident[4].
"I have no memory of it, and I'm fine with that. I never did watch the video, read anything about it, or even looked it up. It's probably better off left in the past," he shared with Racing Post[4].
Doctors warned him that the grim situation might signal the end of his career, acknowledging that poor test results could prove career-ending. Fortunately, those dark clouds parted, and Lordan began his long road to recovery.
During his healing process, Lordan admitted that it was the waiting game that proved most agonizing. The uncertainty was unbearable, knowing that he was hoping for the best but not fully knowing whether he'd be able to make a full recovery. Thankfully, the test results revealed that everything was in order, and Lordan received the news with immense relief[5].
Being the number two jockey at Ballydoyle played a crucial role in his mental recovery process. Instead of watching each significant winner and contemplating whether he should have been onboard, he was able to focus on his rehabilitation[6].
Two months of off-season provided a reprieve from the urgent pressure of returning to the track. With no looming races to compete in, Lordan was able to take his time, giving himself the best chance at full recovery[6].
Catch Wayne Lordan's full interview, available in Sunday's Racing Post or online exclusively for Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday.
Also explore:
- Rivalry renewed as declarations are made for the Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday[7]
- 'Special' mare setting sights on Arc glory[8]
- Oisin Murphy facing charges for drink driving and failing to cooperate over roadside test[9]
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During his interview with Racing Post, Wayne Lordan discussed his return to horse-racing, a sport that nearly ended his career after a tragic incident during the Irish Derby in 2023. His upcoming plans include participating in the upcoming racing events, including possible races involving horse-racing and racing cars.
