Stawell apprentice in hospital after trackwork fall

Apprentice jockey Jade Smith has been taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital after a fall during trackwork in Stawell.

The Victorian Jockeys’ Association issued an update on Tuesday confirming the 18-year-old suffered a laceration to her liver in the incident and is receiving specialist care.

Smith, who hails from a racing family in Stawell, is in her second year as an apprentice.

Having her first ride in a race, Smith made a perfect start to her career when she Spylark to victory in the Sheep Hills Cup at Warracknabeal in August.

She has since ridden another 10 winners , developing her skills under the guidance of her father, former jockey and trainer Dane Smith.