Cyril Small, widely celebrated as the jockey aboard the legendary front-runner Vo Rogue, has been admitted to hospital following a significant stroke.
The 67-year-old veteran jockey fell gravely ill on Saturday and was swiftly transported to Gold Coast University Hospital, a fact confirmed by the Queensland Jockeys’ Association in a statement released yesterday.
Assisted by a ventilator for his breathing, the swelling in Small’s brain has subsided, and positive signs of improvement are beginning to emerge.
It is anticipated that medical professionals will evaluate the possibility of removing Small from the ventilator today.
“Cyril has a long journey ahead of him and will need all the fighting spirit he is famous for to get through this,” the QJA statement said.
“Braidon and Daniel (sons) rushed from Victoria (Saturday night) to be at his bedside along with his wife Lynlea, daughter Jessica as well as family friends Jeff Perry and his daughter Cymone.
“The Small family want to thank the expert care of the paramedics and the doctors and nurses at Gold Coast University hospital but have requested privacy at this time and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and will provide updates to the Queensland Jockeys’ Association through Glen Prentice in due course.”
Small’s extensive riding career commenced in 1974, with his inaugural victory at Casino. He continued to compete until just three years ago, though his name will forever be linked with the champion Queensland galloper, Vo Rogue.
Vo Rogue, under the tutelage of the late Vic Rail, was acclaimed for its tenacious ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ racing style during a distinguished weight-for-age period from 1987-90. During this era, he consistently challenged and triumphed over esteemed champions such as Super Impose, Better Loosen Up, and Bonecrusher.
Small guided Vo Rogue to victory in 22 of its 26 career wins, including all six of its Group 1 triumphs – two Australian Cups, George Main Stakes, William Reid Stakes, Futurity Stakes, and the Winfield Stakes.
Furthermore, Vo Rogue secured three CF Orr Stakes and two Turnbull Stakes. While these races held Group 2 status at the time, they have since been elevated to Group 1 recognition.
Small expressed his admiration for Vo Rogue when the horse was honoured with induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2019.
“Vo Rogue had a big heart and just had a lot of natural ability,” Small said. “His front-running tactics sparked people up … I think racing needed that at the time.”
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