Ward, 41, fractured his C2 vertebra, and although he didn’t require surgery, has spent over a month in a neck brace which he was recently cleared to remove.

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Ward considered himself extremely fortunate, especially after the recent tragic deaths of female jockeys Carly-Mae Pye and Caitlin Forrest.

“The recent loss of both those young girls certainly puts things in perspective,” he said.

Ward has an appointment with his neurosurgeon on Monday fortnight where he expects to be cleared to resume trackwork and get back to race fitness.

The fitness fanatic has been able to go for long walks since having his neck brace removed and recently also went for a leisurely ride on his bicycle.

Which is tame for Ward, who trains in kickboxing and can run from anywhere from 10 kilometres up to a half-marathon some weeks to maintain his fitness.

The self-confessed workaholic said one the most frustrating parts of his enforced layoff was finding things to do with so much extra time on his hands.

“It’s extremely frustrating for me not to be able to do anything physical,” he said.

“Most of my hobbies and interests are fitness related, so it’s been tough in that respect.

“But hopefully the neurosurgen gives me the all clear at my next appointment and if everything goes to plan I can be back riding by mid-December.

“I have been able to keep my weight in check, but I have lost a bit of muscle tone which should return once I start exercising again.”

Ward, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the saddle, said his previous worst injury was a broken ankle more than a decade ago.

He started his career as an apprentice under Wodonga trainer Ollie Cox and rode predominantly on the Border for two decades before relocating to Canberra in 2010.

Ward is the reigning Southern Districts premiership-winning jockey and last season became just the fifth rider to reach 100 winners in a season in NSW and the ACT.

He has also won four Canberra jockey premierships.