Port Macquarie jockey Andrew Adkins is returning home from hospital this week after suffering extensive injuries while horse racing in Western Sydney.
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Adkins was dislodged from bay colt Hot 'N' Hazy, trained by Danny Williams, during the home straight of the 1200 metre opening race at Rosehill Gardens on July 25.
Hot 'N' Hazy fell during the race suffering injuries including a broken shoulder and was later euthanised. Adkins sustained significant injuries and was taken to Westmead Hospital by ambulance.
Adkins, who was transferred to Port Macquraie Private Hospital late last week, said he's happy to be getting out of hospital and back home with family to recover.
"I can't wait to get home. It's been a long 15 or 16 days and feels like I've been in here for six months," he said.
"I'm excited to be getting back to mum and dad, spending time with them.
"I'll mostly be at staying home but over the weekend I got to go out during a day release. My mum pushed me along the breakwall in the wheelchair.
"I'm just looking forward to getting outside. Being locked in the hospital for so long plays with your head a little bit and once you get outside in the fresh air it clears the mind."
Adkins, who is currently using a wheelchair due to his injuries, said he's keen to get back in the saddle once he is certain he has fully healed.
"I've got a few breaks in my leg, I've had the tibia (shinbone) broken and had an operation to have a rod placed in that from my knee to my ankle," he said.
"My leg fracture was quite bad, it was a compound fracture and actually broke the skin. It was pretty nasty but I'm happy to give it the time and let it get to full recovery before I make any decisions about getting back to work.
"I have seven or eight broken ribs and there's nothing they can do about that. I'll just let time heal them. I've broken my collarbone, had a plate and screws put in that.
"I've also had something wrong with my lung which had air in it or around it. I've had a tube in it to reduce pressure.
"There's not really a set date (to be back) but the physio said it could take up to three months before I could start putting pressure on my leg and strengthening it up. It could be sooner or longer based on how the bones heal and how strong they come together.
"I'm definitely keen to get back in the saddle that's for sure but I want it to heal 110 per cent before I get back. There's no point doing anything half-hearted because if I go back and have another fall I don't want to be back in the same position."
Adkins said he is thankful for the support he has received from family, friends, industry members and the community.
"I'm very lucky and thankful for the support of mum and dad. They have been next to my bed the whole time I've been in hospital and I'm very lucky to have them to help me recover," he said.
"Obviously I can't walk at the moment and I'm in a wheelchair but I'm very thankful for their support to get me by.
"I've had a lot of great support from everyone, in the industry and out. There have been messages and calls, I'm thankful for that support."
Adkins has previously suffered injuries during a race fall at Randwick during The Championships in 2019, a broken wrist last year at home and a broken wrist in a barrier trial mishap in March this year.
Racing NSW stewards found jockey Hugh Bowman guilty of careless riding during the race at Rosehill. He was given a six-week suspension and will return to racing on September 11.