Ricky May sidelined after medical event

Champion harness racing driver Ricky May is expected to be on the sidelines for the “next two months a least” after suffering a medical event two weeks ago.

The 67-year-old collapsed while working on the family farm at Methven, prompting his pacemaker to be activated. May had the device implanted after he fell out of the sulky during a race at Omakau in Central Otago in January 2020.

“It was my own fault,” says May of his latest health issue.

“It was a hot day, I was spraying all day on the motorbike and I got dehydrated.”

He immediately stood himself down from driving.

Last week he tried to get a medical clearance to resume race day driving but it was declined.

“They told me to take it easy and that I potentially had a susceptibility to it happening again.”

“And there’s no way we want to put anyone in jeopardy.”

“I feel as good as gold  but will be two months off the scene at least,” says May.

“It is frustrating because there are a lot of good races at this time of the year and a lot of good horses coming back.”

Depending on how he feels May will look at re-applying for a medical clearance around February-March next year.

One of the greats of New Zealand harness racing the seven-time New Zealand Cup winner has 3192 career wins to be third all-time behind Tony Herlihy and Maurice McKendry.

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk