Matt Returns Soon

Leading rider and Te Akau stable jockey Matt Cameron expects to be back in the Jockeys' Premiership race next week.

“I'll probably be riding on Easter Handicap day (April 12) and maybe even the Friday before at Awapuni,” the 27-year-old said.

“I did two ligaments in my knee and it is coming right now.”

Cameron suffered the injury when he was kicked by a two-year-old at the Matamata trials on February 25 but he was able to fulfil important engagements during the following three-day premier meeting at Ellerslie before he took a break.

“There was a lot of bruising on the bone and I was able to ride through cup week,” Cameron said.

“Then I found out I had torn the two ligaments and that explained why there was so much pain, but it was worth it.”

Cameron was referring to his Group One success aboard Who Shot Thebarman in the Auckland Cup and he also rode Historian into second in the Lindauer Gr. 1 New Zealand Stakes on the final day of the Ellerslie carnival.

“There hasn't been a lot I could do as far as physical work goes,” he said. “I've been riding the bike and doing some weights and other little bits and pieces and I'm really looking forward to getting back.”

Cameron, who has finished runner-up in the Jockeys' Premiership for the last two seasons, is currently sitting on 100 winners for the current term and leads the Premiership.