Stroke survivor Cyril Small's Melbourne Cup miracle

By Ben Dorries

It's a true Melbourne Cup miracle.

Racing champion Cyril Small, who survived a catastrophic stroke that doctors were sure would kill him, has returned home from hospital.

And the iconic former jockey – who is famous for riding legendary Queensland frontrunning racehorse Vo Rogue in the late 1980s – even has a Melbourne Cup tip.

"Just enjoy the great race," Small said, in the first time he has spoken publicly since suffering a devastating haemorrhage stroke on July 11.

"The likely winner of the race will be the horse who shows the most resilience and determination, no different to the race called life.

"My philosophy is to just get on with it and never give up."

Small's recovery back from the brink of death will still be a marathon, but it's nothing short of extraordinary that he is home.

Wife Lynlea and the rest of the Small family, including the Smalls' jumps jockey son Braidon who has fought brain tumours, were told they would lose Cyril.

"Within an hour of Cyril being raced to the emergency department at Gold Coast University Hospital by ambulance with full sirens and flashing lights, our daughter Jess and I were given the devastating news by emergency doctors that Cyril would not survive," Lynlea said.

"We were inconsolable.

"Our sons Daniel and Braidon were at their father's bedside within 10 hours, having travelled the 2000km from Warrnambool in Victoria.

"They were met at the airport by their ‘big sister', Cymone Perry who, along with her Dad and Cyril's best friend Jeff, owner of Vo Rogue, maintained a bedside vigil with our family beside Cyril in the ICU ward.

"Cyril miraculously opened his eyes the following morning when his ICU nurse called his name.

"While he could not speak or swallow and had minimal movement, only in his lower left arm, he could communicate with a nod of his head.

"But opening his eyes, that was a game changer."

Lynlea says it "took a village to save Cyril's life" over the next couple of months.

Now back at home, she estimates her much-loved husband is operating at about 50 per cent capacity and he gets around with a wheelie walker as he learns to walk again on his own.

"Cyril's speech continues to improve, but still has some way to go," she said.

"He can eat and drink now, something doctors were not confident he would achieve.

"He needs help with lots of everyday activities that most people take for granted, but he is working hard to gain his independence.

"Cyril considers the efforts of former jockey and his mate ‘Pup' Cowie, who lives his life from a wheelchair following a race fall more than 25 years ago, as inspiring.

"Pup plays many wheelie sports, plays golf, drives a car and gets along to numerous events across the year.

"Jeff Perry lost his leg 11 years ago and has had numerous surgeries and setbacks but his spirit has never waned.

"Cyril thinks Jeff's a remarkable person and Jeff, like Pup and so many others who also have suffered serious disabilities but do their best to live life to the fullest, they are truly inspirational."

Cyril wants to extend his deep appreciation to all staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital who came together as one to get him home to his family.

The 67-year-old also sincerely thanks all the well-wishers and visitors who have supported him.

"Their support has gone a long way to helping me get to where I am today," he said.