Brain surgery for trainer Robbie Griffiths

Trainer Robbie Griffiths is to have brain surgery and expects to be away form racing for six weeks.

Popular Victorian trainer Robbie Griffiths will undergo surgery on a brain aneurysm which will keep him away from the track for at least six weeks.

The president of the Australian Trainers’ Association, Griffiths was admitted to hospital on Friday to prepare for surgery on Saturday morning after which he will need six weeks away from his stable to recuperate.

In a message to his owners on Thursday, Griffiths said he had been undergoing a few health issues in recent times which led to the discovery of the brain aneurysm.

Griffiths said it would be business as usual at his Cranbourne stable despite his absence.

Banner error, could not find casino id "william-hill-sport"

“I’ve got great staff around me, a great team, they’re fantastic,” Griffiths said.

“They’ve been in this situation before back in 2012 when I had an infection and was laid up in hospital and during that time they had a truckload of winners without me.

“We’ve got great systems in place with great people.”

Last season Griffiths trained 86 winners to finish fourth on the Victorian trainers’ premiership while he was announced the Cranbourne Trainer of the Year at the track’s recent awards night.

Griffiths has one runner at Caulfield on Saturday, Collectable in the Black Caviar Tribute Handicap.