Jason Clifford is consoled by his son Josh in the spinal unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital yesterday

TASMANIAN trainer Jason Clifford is likely to make a full recovery from what was potentially a life-threatening fall at his Seven Mile Beach training complex on Tuesday.

Yesterday he was lying flat on his back in a neck brace in the neurological unit at the Roya lHobart Hospital reflecting on what he believes is a lucky escape.

He suffered a wedge (compressed) fracture of the T2 vertebrae when thrown from a horse he was riding in an exercise workout.

"I was riding one in a two-horse workout when mine darted into the bush and was heading full pelt towards two big trees." Clifford said.

"The next thing I know I'm flying backwards through the air and when I landed on my back I heard and felt a decent crack, so I knew I'd done some damage."

"I never tried to get up because I knew I was in some trouble," he said.

Clifford has been advised by doctors not to return to trackwork riding in the immediate future.

"It looks like I might have to stick to giving directions from the lead pony from now on," he said.

Clifford is hoping to be released from hospital by the weekend and be well enough to attend the last meeting of the season at Tattersall's Park in Hobart on Sunday where he has two runners.

"I've got Blue Bud and Lunar Manatee in on Sunday and I'd like to be there if I can," he said.