Bailey Rogerson regains consciousness

Apprentice jockey Bailey Rogerson remains in the intensive care unit at Waikato Hospital but her condition has taken a significant turn for the better, having regained consciousness and is now breathing without assistance.

The 24-year-old’s grandfather Graeme Rogerson reported early Thursday afternoon that an MRI scan on Wednesday was followed by a major overall improvement in her health. While still feeling the effects of her Rotorua race fall on Sunday, Rogerson has begun the long road to recovery.

“She’s certainly turned the corner and although she has a long way to go, it’s a big relief for all of us that she’s a whole lot better than she was to begin with,” Rogerson said.

“Her injuries include a fractured skull and brain bleed, a vertebrae fracture and facial injuries, but you’d have to say she’s a lucky girl, it could have been a whole lot worse.”

Rogerson is also effusive in his praise for the racing community and their outpouring since his grand-daughter’s plight became public knowledge.

“I can’t believe the racing community, the number of calls, messages, people from all around the world,” he said. “Mark Todd, who Bailey worked for in England during COVID, has been in touch, even the bloke who rode the Kentucky Derby winner.

“All of Bailey’s mates from the girls’ (jockey) room have been lining up at the door to see her, but we have to be careful. Gary and Michelle (parents) have been at her bedside the whole time, and they have restricted her visitors to one at a time.

“It’s times like these you realise just how caring people are, and that’s something that Gary and Michelle would like to acknowledge and say thanks.”