Tom Prebble’s recovery from a race fall at Warrnambool this week is expected to be slow, with the young jockey undergoing surgery on a spinal injury.
Prebble, the son of Group 1-winning jockey Brett Prebble and former hoop Maree Payne, was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital on Tuesday following the fall and he remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
“The fall has resulted in Tom dealing with extensive injuries. His recovery and rehabilitation will extend over a very long time,” a statement from the family said.
“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.”
The family has asked for Prebble’s privacy to be respected.
“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,” the statement said.
