Star West Australian jockey William Pike is assured he can return from harm in time for the State’s richest race in April.
Pike fractured his heel throughout trackwork at Ascot in January and has been a race in opposition to time ever since to be match for The Quokka.
The State’s main jockey can be a high attraction on the $5 million slot race.
Like lots of the runners confirmed for the 1200m showpiece, Pike is hopeful of a return in time for the Roma Cup on April 6.
Pike will see a specialist subsequent week and has revealed he could possibly be poised to make a sooner-than-expected return.
“It feels OK and the swelling has gone down heaps, but if I put any weight on it by accident it reminds you pretty quick,” Pike instructed The Races WA.
“I’m going to push hard to be back doing trials at around the 7 weeks and if they pass me I can ride at the eight or nine week mark.
“There is plenty of time for The Quokka itself and I think it’s fine for the lead up races as well.
“I’m hoping to get going before the Roma Cup, or before then if my body is right.
“I don’t want to be blowing out the cobwebs.”
Pike has maintained his lead in Perth’s Jockey Premiership and sits second within the nationwide standings, 5 behind Jams Orman.
But he says the day without work has been a check mentally.
“I’ve never done an injury like this before, always hands or shoulders, somewhere where you can still be effective,” Pike stated.
“With this I can’t do anything, I can’t even carry a cup of tea, it’s a pain in the neck.
“You go through good and bad phases, but there’s no drama, I just want to get moving again.”
A quick-tracked return would imply Pike can also be within the body for mounts within the $500,000 Karrakatta Plate and $400,000 WATC Derby, additionally each in April.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/horse-racing/star-jockey-william-pike-racing-clock-in-attempt-to-compete-in-the-quokka-c-13578628
