Jockey Tye Angland was paralysed in horror fall at Sha Tin, now he is back in wheelchair rugby

Tye Angland was one of the best jockeys in Australia before an horrific horse race fall made him a paraplegic five years ago.

At the time of the crash, his life-changing accident left the entire racing community in stunned disbelief wondering how such tragedy could befall such a talented jockey.

But, now he’s back, not on horse back, instead playing high-level rugby with his sights set on Australian representation one day.

‘It is a brutal sport at times,’ the 33-year-old said between games at the Santos National Wheelchair Championships on Saturday on the Gold Coast.

‘And I love it. You crash into other chairs often and you have to be very fit because it is non-stop.

‘But, it’s cool and while I’m still just a learner I’ll happily continue playing it.’ 

Former champion jockey Tye Angland (pictured) at the National Wheelchair Rugby Championships on Saturday playing for the ACT Buccaneers

Angland, an 11-times group 1 winning rider was savagely injured when he was speared head first into the turf soon after the start from his mount Go Beauty Go during a race at Sha Tin race course in Hong Kong on November 25 back in 2018. 

He didn’t move after the fall for some time yet remained conscious throughout.

But his legs wouldn’t function. His arms did, a few days later, start to find form and movement and a few weeks later he was flown back to Sydney to live and rehab at Royal North Shore Hospital. 

Roll forward five years and he, his wife Erin and their three kids are thriving.

‘It wasn’t easy at first as everything in my life had to change. I had to adjust, and learn how to strengthen up at the gym too,’ he said.

In his past life, Angland (pictured) was an 11 times Group 1 winning jockey

Flashback five years to when Angland was in hospital after an horrific race fall left his without the use of his legs

‘But, through it all, I had my kids and they love sport so I threw myself into being with them. I’m flat-out now just doing things with the three of them and I enjoy it.’

Workwise, Angland is now a jockey manager for outstanding Gr 1 winning hoops Josh Parr, Tim Clark and James Innes which takes care of his income, while discovering the sport of wheelchair rugby has reinvigorated his competitive spark.

‘I was first introduced to the sport while I was in early rehab,’ said Angland. 

‘A few of the other guys doing rehab at the same time were involved and they invited me along.

‘I loved it the moment I saw it. I had to go to the gym and build back up and I do that regularly because you need strength. You can get knocked over and out of your chair in this sport.’

Wife Erin, who has stood by him through the dark days, and is now ultra supportive of his new sporting passion, echoes that.

‘He often comes home with sore shoulder muscles and has been tipped out of his chair, but fortunately not too many stacks.’

On the Gold Coast, Angland is representing the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Buccaneers at the Nationals.

‘I joined them because the boys I train with play for that side,’ said the proud Sydneysider.

The Nationals weren’t kind to him in terms of wins this year, his first at that level, ‘but I’m on a steep learning curve. It is difficult getting adjusted to the calls because the game is a bit like gridiron in the sense the ball is thrown ahead of you.

‘And the calls come from behind. You don’t really see too much.’

Wheelchair rugby is played on indoor basketball courts withy four players on each side and is fast-paced. It is constant movement.

Angland (in yellow) during Saturday’s Nationals in Wheelchair Rugby. The ACT Buccaneers were bundled out but Angland played superbly 

Once a team scores, the ref gives, a la basketball, the ball to the opposition from behind the baseline and the game continues on. To score the carrier of the ball just has to cross the back line between two designated green cones in his/her chair.

Players can be sin-binned for aggressive behaviour for three minute stints. 

‘There are a lot of things to learn and being fast and elusive in the chair is a great asset,’ said Angland.

Wheelchair Rugby is a Paralympic sport and Angland has his sights set on that but realises it is a fair way away.

‘Like I said, I’m still in the learning stage but it would certainly be something I’d chase if I got good enough.’

Already he has become an extremely good defenceman, holding opposition stars in pockets and  not allowing them access to the ball… a rare skill.

In a short period of time he has already advanced improbably and it’s his natural sporting prowess that is helping him achieve.

 As a jockey he certainly was good enough and his natural drive to win combined with his impeccable balance which is still there, should see him progress to the top.