Ryan O’Connor was working in Australia last year when he was kicked by his horse Karlakee Miss.
The 21-year-old Co Kerry rider, whose dad Padraig is a trainer, later went to hospital complaining about back pain.
However the trip to the hospital led to the discovery that he had an aggressive form of testicular cancer.
O’Connor said: “It turned out I had a 9cm tumour.
“I was healthy and fit at the time and just never felt right.”
The jockey added: “It was one of the most aggressive cancers to spread, so in a way it was a blessing in disguise getting kicked.”
O’Connor, who moved to Australia in 2015, underwent multiple surgeries and endured chemotherapy to tackle the cancer.
He was given the all-clear in January, but still undergoes regular check-ups.
Source (text and photo): thesun.ie
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