AFTER battling injury for the past five years, Ernie Marchant has finally got his body right.
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Now the talented hoop wants to return among the top echelon of jockeys in the Southern District.
Marchant, 44, was involved in a serious mishap when his mount crashed through the outside fence on the way to the barriers at Wangaratta in September 2009, smashing his tibia, fibula and right ankle.
He has been battling injury every since — until now.
“I basically had that bad fall in 2009 and haven’t had much luck since,” Marchant said.
“Since the fall, I’ve had two bulged discs in my neck.
“Then I had nerve damage in my neck and lost the use of my left arm for a while.
“Then I broke my finger and tore the tendon off the bone and it retracted into my hand.
“So they were all long-term injuries and took a lot of physio and rehab to recover from and puts doubt in your mind if you can get back riding again.
“But I’m finally fully fit and I don’t think I have felt this good since 2008.”
Marchant was among the top echelon of local jockeys before the accident, winning multiple North East and South-ern District premiership titles.
He has won a host of local feature races including the Jack Maher Classic and Wangaratta Cup aboard Atlantic Comet, Wodonga Cups on Dancing Jug and Brave Chief plus a City Hcp on Full Of Spirit.
Marchant said he had to decided to ride a bit heavier in a bid to prolong his career.
“I’m 44 now and can ride around the 56 kilogram mark, but to ride much lighter is a constant battle,” he said.
“To ride any lower I have to do a lot of physical training which takes its toll on the body.
“So I will just ride a bit heavier and I feel terrific now heading to the races and the fittest I have been for ages.
“A lot of the trainers think you aren’t trying when you ride a bit heavier but I have to do what’s best for my body.”
Marchant has set himself for a big spring, knowing he is in the twilight of his riding career.
“I’m just aiming to make every post a winner from now on in,” he said.
“I’m riding as good as anybody in the district and just need opportunities.”
His new manager is John Braden, who can be contacted on 0409 706 621.
