Horse Jockies - the toughest of all sporting breeds

Reading a recent BBC report concerning Tony McCoy (dated 30 Dec 2011) reinforces the image that these sportspeople are one of the toughest people around (having to starve themselves, travelling all over the place and having to perform without time to acclimatise to conditions, having to handle over a ton of muscle power going at full pelt, handling different horses with different personalities and characteristics on the same day, having to handle all sorts of differing ground conditions ...).

"Tony McCoy confirmed he has broken ribs after a fall at the final fence in a race at Taunton on Friday.

The 16-time champion jockey was riding Laudatory in the Steve Logan Memorial County Contractors Handicap Hurdle.

McCoy, 37, needed oxygen to help his breathing and was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital.

He said on Twitter: "Broke a few ribs so not too bad. ...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/horse_racing/16368421.stm

NH jocks are a different breed,they are literally as hard as nails.ive cracked ribs(playing rugby) and its very painful,one of the most painful things that you have to do but take for granted is...err going to the loo,sorry to be graphic but you trying cleaning yourself with cracked ribs,its excruciating.No doubt AP will be helping his recovery by using an oxygen tent and i'll be amazed if he isnt back within 3 weeks.