Jockey in induced coma in hospital after suffering internal injuries in nasty fall

A young jockey is in an induced coma in hospital after suffering internal injuries in a nasty fall.

Laura Lafferty was riding 200-1 chance The Praised One in a 7f maidan at Ballarat in Victoria, on Thursday.

The pair were leading the 14-runner field when the horse suddenly ducked towards the inside rail and Lafferty came off. The Praised One continued riderless.

The race commentator said: “I am a bit perplexed by what happened with The Praised One. She took a misstep at about the 700m, dropped the rider who is being attended to and the horse has carried on amongst the field.”

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The Ballarat stewards report said the horse had: “shifted in abruptly, unbalancing rider Laura Lafferty, resulting in her being dislodged.

“Trainer Patrick Starr was interviewed and reported that the mare had never shown any signs in its previous trackwork or jump-outs that could explain its behaviour today. He further added that he will endeavour to contact the Stewards on how the mare pulls up over the coming days. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a minor laceration to the near fore heel bulb.

"Stewards, after reviewing the available patrol footage and on their own observations of the race, based the reason for Laura Lafferty being dislodged due to the mare's racing manners and as such, trainer Patrick Starr was advised The Praised One will be required to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards before being permitted to race again.

“Rider Laura Lafferty was transported to hospital for further assessment.”

Racing was delayed while Laffery was attended to by medics with Racing Victoria steward Alex Streckbain reporting to that the jockey may have been struck by a horse after she came off.

"She's been attended to by medical staff," he said. "At this stage she is conscious and is being transported off the course to the helicopter base to fly to Melbourne.

"She has injuries that are internal. It appears she may have been trodden on or stuck a blow at some point when she's come down."

An update on Lafferty’s condition, issued by her agent Simon Lambert on X, said: “Laura in ICU. Has collapsed lung. They have done a procedure to lung, also injuries to her spleen and liver. No operation at this time - will continue to monitor. Still checking other areas and wait. In induced coma atm.”

Lafferty, who has a career total of 162 victories, has ridden two winners during the current season.