Jockey from famous racing family airlifted to hospital after fall dealing with 'extensive injuries'

A rising star jockey who suffered spinal damage in a race fall is dealing with “extensive injuries”, his family have said.

Tom Prebble, a 23-year-old apprentice jockey who has ridden 123 winners, is the son of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Brett Prebble who is the brother-in-law of two other winners of the race, Michelle Payne and Kerrin McEvoy. Prebble Jr was riding in a race at Warrnambool in Victoria when his mount Pulveriser fell three and a half furlongs from the finish. The horse was examined by vets who reported a minor laceration to the elbow.

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The jockey was attended by medics who summoned helicopter assistance to transport Prebble to the Alfred Hospital for further assessment. The ambulance service said Prebble was in a serious condition when he was treated for “mid to upper body injuries”. A stewards inquiry into the cause of the incident was adjourned.

An initial report from the Australian Jockeys Association said Prebbe had undergone spinal surgery. His parents Brett and Maree released a statement with a further update on Friday

“First, on Tom’s behalf, we want to express our appreciation to the Racing Victoria Raceday Medical Team who attended Tom within seconds of the fall. We also want to thank the Ambulance Victoria crews who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident.

“We are indebted to the air transportation wing of Ambulance Victoria, who were responsible for transporting Tom from Warrnambool Racecourse to The Alfred Hospital with such professionalism, care and compassion.

“We want to thank The Alfred Hospital Emergency Department, every person in the surgical team and the incredible people in the Intensive Care Unit where Tom remains today. Words cannot possibly express Tom’s and our appreciation for your kindness, care, professionalism and support.

“The fall has resulted in Tom dealing with extensive injuries. His recovery and rehabilitation will extend over a very long time.

“Tom had major surgery to his spine on Tuesday night after trauma to T5 was identified. The surgery to stabilise his spine was successful and his doctors now advise he is on the road to recovery while the full extent of his injuries remains unclear.

“While we would like to provide more information to everyone at this time, the fact is the expert medical professionals treating Tom are not able to say what his outcome will be.

“We understand and sincerely appreciate the level of concern being expressed for Tom. We are grateful he is such a popular, respected and much-loved member of the Victorian jockey ranks after only entering our sport three years ago.

“From here on, we would ask that Tom’s and our privacy be respected. With Tom’s approval, we will provide updates on a regular basis through Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) as his recovery progresses.

“Lastly, as Tom’s parents, we would like to express our thanks to Matt Hyland from Victorian Jockeys Association, Lisa Stevens from VJA/RV Jockey Assistance Program, RV CMO Dr Ben Barresi and all at Racing Victoria for their unwavering support from the moment of his injury and we thank you all once again for your care and concern.”