Racehorse TALK

Injured jockey Billy Hernan's is determined to make a comeback even though his career remains in limbo almost 12 months after he broke his back in a fall at Geelong.

Hernan was injured in a fall at Geelong on September 5 last year, suffering suffering neck and back fractures that required surgery to fuse vertebrae in his lower back.

Doctors initially expected Hernan to make a full recovery after the operation went as planned but the young jockey was recently told by a specialist that his back had not completely fused together.

“Some doctors say yes I'll make a full recovery, while others really don't know,” Hernan told the Warrnambool Srandard.

“I'll just give it time. My body will let me know when it's better ahead of any doctors.'

Hernan has stayed close to racing and helps helps out on his stepfather's Warrnambool property, mixing feeds for the horses.

Meanwhile Hernan's best friend and fellow jockey Logan McGill is recovering from shocking injuries suffered when he was assaulted outside a Mornington hotel two weeks ago.

McGill was king-hit from behind and left unconscious in the car park by the unprovoked attack.

He suffered a fractured jaw which has been wired and has restricted him to being fed through a straw.

McGill and Hernan had been celebrating with friends after McGill rode a winner at Pakenham earlier that day.

“A fella came up from behind and hit Logan. He fell down unconscious, there was blood everywhere. I thought he was dead,' Hernan said.

Hernan said the attacker then turned on him but he escaped unscathed.

Police are investigating the assault but are yet to make an arrest.