Jockey Sam Subian underwent major surgery on his thoracic spine last Monday week, six days after he seriously injured his back in a barrier trial fall at Kranji on June 13.

The Malaysian rider had 39 screws inserted during a marathon operation which lasted just under 12 hours at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Sam suffered fractures to the T3, T4, T5 and T6 vertebrae.

The 42-year-old also suffered a fracture at the base of the skull or neck, but it was only superficial and required no surgery.

Looking in good spirits at the Intensive Care Unit on Tuesday, Sam was his chatty self and said the surgery went well, and that he and relatives were heartened to be told by his doctors he would be transferred to a normal ward by the end of the day.

“They finally took the feeding tube off me on Saturday and I was able to have a nice breakfast on the same day. It was great I could also celebrate Hari Raya with my family around me yesterday,” said Sam, who was fitted with a neck brace and lay in a supine position.

“Obviously, I’m feeling a lot better than I was shortly after the fall. But it will now take months to know how the spine is healing.

“A big thank you to my wife, my family members and friends for their support during this ordeal, and of course the doctors who performed the surgery on me.

“There is still a long road ahead, but I’m a fighter, and I know I will get better.”

A prognosis on his recovery will be made in due course. Sam was at the rear astride the John O’Hara-trained Silver Spoon in that ill-fated barrier trial when his horse stumbled just after the winning post, sending his rider crashing heavily on the Polytrack.

To-date, he still does not remember what really happened. An inquiry into the fall can only take place when Sam will be fit enough to attend.

“I can’t remember what happened. It happened so fast,” he said.

A Group 1-winning jockey and son of former top jockey Subian Dalwee, Sam has had a career plagued by injuries over the years, notably in 2001, 2007 and 2008 when he hurt his back, neck and leg respectively.