VJA update on apprentice jockey Tom Prebble

The Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) has provided an update on apprentice jockey Tom Prebble, one month after his race fall at Warrnambool on Tuesday, 9 September.

VJA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Hyland, said that there has been no change or improvement in Tom’s condition following his spinal cord injury.

“Speaking with Tom, he has advised that four weeks on from his fall, he has no feeling or sensation below the T4 level of his spine,” Hyland said.

Hyland confirmed doctors at the Austin Hospital’s spinal care unit had recently cleared Tom to transfer to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre in Kew, where he has commenced intensive rehabilitation.

“With the support of the outstanding team at Talbot, Tom has already learned to transfer from his wheelchair to bed, in and out of a car, and begun working through the many challenges associated with a spinal cord injury,” Hyland said.

He added that surgery to stabilise the T4 fracture in Tom’s spine was successful, and that a hard neck brace remains in place for a separate fracture, pending a review in the coming days.

Hyland said Tom had specifically asked that his appreciation be passed on regarding the care, concern and ongoing messages of support received from the racing community, especially from owners, trainers and jockeys who supported him throughout his nearly three years as an apprentice jockey in Victoria.

Tom’s key goal is to be able to return to his home before the end of the year. 

Contact points: 

VJA CEO Matthew Hyland 0408 753 951; 

or Des O’Keeffe 0412 554 155.