Statement from Brett Prebble and Maree Payne regarding Tom Prebble

Tom Prebble’s parents, Brett Prebble and Maree Payne, have this morning issued the following statement regarding Tom’s condition after his race fall at Warrnambool last Tuesday:

“First, on Tom’s behalf, we want to express our appreciation to the Racing Victoria Raceday Medical Team who attended Tom within seconds of the fall. We also want to thank the Ambulance Victoria crews who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident.

“We are indebted to the air transportation wing of Ambulance Victoria, who were responsible for transporting Tom from Warrnambool Racecourse to The Alfred Hospital with such professionalism, care and compassion.

“We want to thank The Alfred Hospital Emergency Department, every person in the surgical team and the incredible people in the Intensive Care Unit where Tom remains today.  Words cannot possibly express Tom’s and our appreciation for your kindness, care, professionalism and support.

“The fall has resulted in Tom dealing with extensive injuries. His recovery and rehabilitation will extend over a very long time.

“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.

“From here on, we would ask that Tom’s and our privacy be respected. With Tom’s approval, we will provide updates on a regular basis through Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) as his recovery progresses.  

“Lastly, as Tom’s parents, 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.”

BRETT PREBBLE
MAREE PAYNE

For any further contact please call:
VJA CEO Matthew Hyland 0408 753 951; or Des O’Keeffe 0412 554 155