Page Fuller's career hangs in the balance after she suffered a terrifying mini-stroke during a race.
The 27-year-old fell ill just seconds into a handicap chase at Fontwell on Friday. Fuller went blind in one eye on the approach to the first fence riding Touchthesoul. Fortunately she was able to clear the obstacle and brought the Jo Davis-trained gelding to a halt safely.
"Coming into the fence, my vision went right down and I could only just see it, but, luckily, the horse was a bit of a life-saver and got me over," Fuller told the Racing Post. "When I went to pull him up, I realised my right arm was weak and in spasm with pins and needles."
Fuller recorded her best ever season for prize money in the 2021-22 season, hitting the £190,000 mark.
Doctors told her a torn artery, from the impact of a fall, had clotted in her neck and caused the stroke. She is now in limbo with regards to life in the saddle – but is putting her recovery first.
"At the end of the day getting my health right is the priority now, so I've got to have a think about what it means for me long-term, but I won't know until I know how I'm healing," she added.
"Things will depend on how the artery heals. It's going to be a long process, but I'm going to have the right people around me with Oaksey House (jockeys' rehab centre in Lambourn).
"I feel confident I haven't had any significant effects in terms of dexterity, so hopefully I can get back to normal, but you can never take that for granted.
"When you say stroke, it sounds awful because strokes can be awful, but I'm hoping – the way everyone is talking about – I'm at the less-severe end of what it could have been."
Fuller celebrated a Grade 2 winner when Anythingforlove took the Jane Seymour Mares' Novices' Hurdle in February of last year.
The horse's trainer, Jamie Snowden, said: "We have had plenty of good days together, crowned by that win at Sandown.
"Page has been a big part of our team for many years and we wish her a speedy recovery."
