Jumps jockey Braidon Small world changed when Startierra misjudged a hurdle in a 3200m hurdle race at Pakenham.

Following the fall Small felt well enough to drive home to Warrnambool after being cleared to leave the track with just a minor knee injury, but later that night complained of a headache and was convinced by his wife to go to hospital to have it checked out.

Once arriving at the Warrnmabool Hospital doctors found bleeding on his brain with the jumps rider immediately put into an induced coma and transported to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, with doctors saying his wife's quick thinking had saved his life.

Small would return to the saddle until 2023 when a six-month scan revealed he had developed a brain tumor which required urgent attention.

The local Warrnambool and wider racing community rallied to Small as he took on another massive health challenge which he met with quiet dignity.

The man universally known as 'Biggie' is back in the saddle, ready to notch more feature jumps wins.