Jockey Pasha on rocky road to recovery

Paralysed after fall from mount at Mahalaxmi racecourse on April 17, wheelchair-bound brave rider dismisses complications as setbacks

Jockey Ilahi Pasha (48), has been on the rocky road to recovery after he fell from his mount, 'The Big Revival' during the ironically named 'Race Of Hope' Cup held at Mahalaxmi racecourse on April 17, this year.

Jockey Ilahi Pasha

The seasoned Pasha, is back in Pune at his home in Brahma Baug, after a long stay at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, where he was taken after the fall. Brahma Baug is located close to Uday Baug and Sopan Baug, an enclave where a majority of racing professionals live.

Pasha is paralysed waist downwards and can only move around with the help of a wheelchair, "I need some help getting into the wheelchair, but I am sure I will be able to move the wheelchair myself in a few days. I am feeling stronger every day," says Pasha, on the phone from his Pune home. Though physically affected, he sounded mentally agile and upbeat. The jockey has struggled with infection post his long hospitalisation but dismisses these bumps as, "setbacks."

He battled stubborn bedsores, which would not go away. Pasha says, "I got the bedsores I think in Breach Candy hospital because of my long stay there. I had to have an operation for those too, but now I am fine. I hope there are no more hiccups."

He adds, "this is the grace of God. Soon, I am sure I will be able to do heavy work, with my hands." Pasha spends a lot of his time, "watching television. I like to see what is on in the world, watching any kind of entertainment shows. I also listen to old Hindi songs."

Pasha adds that he spends time with friends, "many from the racing fraternity, who come to visit me. They drop in at home, especially jockeys, to see how I am doing. I also do exercises recommended by a physiotherapist," Pasha signs off.

That fateful day
Sun, April 17, 2016 @Mahalaxmi: The field turned for the bend near 600m when Pasha's mount clipped a horse running in front, stumbled and fell dislodging Pasha, who fell in front of a horse called Rising Concert. Rising Concert fell on Pasha, who was crushed under its weight.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!