Mansour Makes Miraculous 5YO Winning Return

Donavan Mansour has defied the odds with a triumphant return to racing after a five-year absence due to a severe injury that many thought would end his career. In October 2019, Mansour suffered a broken pelvis and multiple internal injuries when his horse, Lets Roc, flipped and landed on him. "She completely crushed me; I felt like I was split in two," he recalled. Following several surgeries, Mansour initially accepted that his riding days were over. He pivoted to a role at Byerley Park with trainer Daniel Nakhle and helped establish the New Zealand Equine Academy, where mentoring young jockeys reignited his passion for the sport. "Working with the mares and foals, I started riding alongside the apprentices. I felt my body getting stronger and thought, why not give it another shot?" he said. With encouragement from specialists and support from a chiropractor and sports psychologist, Mansour trained diligently for three and a half months before getting back in the saddle. He reached out to trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, who had supported him since his accident, to help rebuild his confidence. Last Saturday, Mansour celebrated a victorious return, riding Group 1 winner Mustang Valley to victory in the Team Wealleans 1600 at Tauranga. "It was more of a relief than anything. I felt no pressure; I just had to ride her as the best horse," he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the win. Mansour credits his remarkable recovery to a healthy lifestyle and the unwavering support of his wife, Roxanne, and their children. As he looks to the future, he remains committed to setting goals and relishing the competitive spirit of New Zealand racing. "I'm excited for what's next and hopeful this is just the beginning."