Southern jockey Akshay Balloo is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a trackwork fall on Tuesday.

Balloo, 30, now faces surgery after breaking his tibia just below his knee.

“I’m doing okay. I’m in hospital and just need surgery now. We’re not sure if it might be tomorrow or if not then Monday. Hopefully it can mend well and I can be back riding soon,” Balloo said.

Balloo, from Mauritius, spent time as an apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy. He has ridden 15 winners since coming to New Zealand in 2019 and rode in two Group One races at Ellerslie in March this year, though unplaced in both.