Trainer Steve Richards hospitalised after bad fall

Flemington trainer Steve Richards is facing a long recovery, having been seriously injured in a fall last week which has left him in a coma.

The Group 1-winning horseman hit his head on the pavement last Thursday, with the respected trainer in intensive care at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

“We are very grateful to the ambulance and hospital team, whose fast reaction and constant care have not only brought comfort to the family, but saved Steve,” Richards’ family said in a statement.

“There is no doubt that Steve will have a long road to recovery, so we ask that all those in the racing industry please pray for his rehabilitation and well-being.”

The long-time Flemington-based trainer, who won the 2010 Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes with Rostova, has only had 50 runners since July last year.

His most recent winner was at Horsham in February.