Legendary jockey Cyril Small recovering from major stroke

Cyril Small, the celebrated rider of the iconic front-runner Vo Rogue, is currently hospitalised after experiencing a significant stroke.

The 67-year-old sportsman became critically unwell on Saturday and was promptly taken to Gold Coast University Hospital, as confirmed by the Queensland Jockeys' Association through a statement released yesterday.

Currently, the former jockey's respiration is being aided by a ventilator, and the inflammation affecting his brain has shown signs of receding, with initial improvements being observed.

Doctors are reportedly considering removing Small from the ventilator as early as 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 distinguished riding career commenced in 1974, marking his first win at Casino. He remained an active jockey until three years ago but will forever be remembered as the expert rider of Queensland's champion, Vo Rogue.

Vo Rogue, trained by the late Vic Rail, was renowned for its aggressive 'catch-me-if-you-can' racing style during a peak period of weight-for-age competition between 1987 and 1990. In this era, he contended with and outperformed notable champions including Super Impose, Better Loosen Up, and Bonecrusher.

Small partnered Vo Rogue in 22 of its 26 career victories, including all six of its elite Group 1 wins: two Australian Cups, the George Main Stakes, the William Reid Stakes, the Futurity Stakes, and the Winfield Stakes.

Vo Rogue also claimed three CF Orr Stakes and two Turnbull Stakes. These races were classified as Group 2 events during that period but have since been elevated to Group 1 status.

Reflecting on Vo Rogue's induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2019, Small offered his perspective on the champion horse.

"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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