He can’t recall the race, but its impact he will never forget.
June 27 marked one year since Edward Creighton was involved in a sickening race fall at Warrnambool.
The Irish-born jockey broke his left arm, fractured a vertebrae, broke his ribs, suffered bleeding on the brain and was in an induced coma.
The resilient 32-year-old has recovered and is back on track, but sadly he will never ride in a competitive race again.
“It’s not how I would have like to end it, but it’s just the way it is,” Creighton said on TABradio.
“I’m looking forward to the future and kind of a fresh start really.
“It’s mainly the head injury because my balance is pretty poor.
“The rehab has worked wonders and it’s improving, but my neuropsych didn’t think it was a good idea to go back to riding.”
Creighton was born into racing with his father, Edward, a successful trainer in Spain and Great Britain and brothers Alan and Shane riding in England, France and Spain.
Creighton won two Group races at Newmarket and Epsom before making the move and setting up base with his wife, Alicia and two young children in Albany four years ago.
After making his Australian debut at Esperance he rode 107 winners, 129 seconds and 119 thirds before he headed to Warrnambool.
A memorable highlight for Creighton was the 2014 Kalgoorlie Cup, a silky ride lifting True Gold to an exciting win over Friarday.
“People in Western Australia really took to me and gave me lots of rides,” Creighton said.
“It was great to win the race and enjoy it with all the good people there.
“Ever since I arrived in Australia I was getting rides constantly and building good relationships with lots of good trainers.
“I was flying along but these things happen.”
Despite the physical and emotional setback and the realisation that he will never be able to continue in his dream job, Creighton is taking an optimistic approach to the next phase of his career.
“My neuropsych suggested study would help me so I’ve been going to TAFE to pick up some foundation skills in computers and things like that,” Creighton said.
“I’m going to do an accounting course once I get through that part of it.
“It’s going to be a long process, but I’ve been told to keep it steady.
“It’s something that interests me so I will have a go and see.
“Like anybody that’s been involved in horseracing I don’t think you can ever get away from it.
“You just love it and it’s in your blood.
“I would like to get back into it at some stage, but I’m trying to build up some security.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli