Cyril Small, famed as the jockey for the celebrated front-runner Vo Rogue, has been hospitalised following a substantial stroke.

The 67-year-old jockey experienced a serious health event on Saturday and was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital, a fact confirmed by the Queensland Jockeys’ Association via a media statement yesterday.

The former jockey’s breathing is currently supported by a ventilator, and the inflammation in his brain has decreased, with positive signs of recovery now evident.

It is expected that doctors will assess the possibility of taking Small off 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 began in 1974 when he rode his first winner at Casino. He continued to ride until three years ago but will always be recognised as the jockey of the Queensland champion, Vo Rogue.

Vo Rogue, prepared by the late Vic Rail, was renowned for its audacious ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ performances during a peak weight-for-age period between 1987 and 1990, where it competed against and defeated champions like Super Impose, Better Loosen Up, and Bonecrusher.

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

Vo Rogue also achieved three CF Orr Stakes and two Turnbull Stakes. These races were Group 2 events at the time but have since been upgraded to Group 1 status.

In 2019, when the champion horse was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, Small paid tribute to Vo Rogue.

“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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