A 23-year-old jockey, who was airlifted to hospital on Monday after suffering a fall during a race is in a serious condition but is making ‘good progress’.
Ivy Lam was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after she fell from her horse, Jacobs Gate, in the 1500m Willow Grove Stud Handicap at the Gawler Racecourse in Adelaide on Monday.
At approximately 700m into the race, the horse began to drop back in the field, before collapsing and sending the jockey falling to the ground. The horse died following the incident.
Lam, who works for the stable of Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle, has ridden 16 winners in 139 races since she began her riding career in January.
On Tuesday, Racing South Australia chief Vaughn Lynch delivered an update on Lam’s condition to members of the media, stating that the Jockey had suffered ‘bleeding on the brain’ and had ‘some fractured vertebrae’. The official added that it ‘looks like Lam will avoid surgery at this stage’ and was also ‘hopeful for a full recovery’.
‘Ivy’s condition is still serious, she was airlifted to hospital from the Gawler racecourse yesterday, the latest news we have is that Ivy suffered some bleeding on the brain, and some fractured vertebrae, but it looks like she will avoid surgery at this stage and we’re hopeful for a full recovery,’ Lynch said, according to Racenet.
Racing South Australia have provided an update on the condition of apprentice jockey Ivy Lam
Lam reportedly suffered ‘critical injuries’ after she fell from her horse during a race on Monday
‘Racing SA and the South Australian racing industry is a tight-knit unit, especially with our apprentices, we run a very successful apprentice academy of which Ivy is a key member.
‘When something like this happens it permeates through the whole racing industry, from Gordon and Damien’s stables it’s a very sombre mood around here today, everyone is very supportive of each other and Racing SA is determined to ensure everyone’s wellbeing is looked after first and foremost.
‘We commend the efforts of the first care medical staff, the Gawler racetrack staff and Racing SA stewards, they attended to Ivy and the horse really promptly, we’d like to think that’s part of the reason why she’s in a critical but more stable condition in ICU.’
Her mother and Hong Kong Jockey Club Academy Manager Amy Chan were travelling to Australia to support Lam.
According to Channel Nine, paramedics stated that the rider was ‘being treated for critical head injuries’
Lam dropped back in the race before she had been dislodged from her horse
Trainer, Moyle, also delivered an update on Lam’s condition.
‘It was quite serious there, for a long period of time, but the medical staff did a great job, she was airlifted to hospital,’ the trainer told RadioTAB.
‘Gradually last night, as the hours ticked by, we kept getting snippets of more positive news.
‘At this stage, she’s suffered a serious concussion, and potentially a bit of bleeding on her brain, and a fractured vertebrae at this stage.
‘She regained her consciousness on the track, and once she was airlifted to the hospital she regained her consciousness again and started speaking.
‘Through precaution they sedated her overnight, we’ve already got word back from them this morning that everything is positive and she’s made good progress.’
Emergency services tended to the Hong Kong Jockey Club trainee at the scene.
According to Channel Nine, paramedics stated that the rider was ‘being treated for critical head injuries’ and was ‘being flown to hospital’.
Racing South Australia issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating that Lam was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and was ‘in a stable condition’
The Australian Jockeys’ Association sent their best wishes to Lam and hoped for a ‘speedy and full recovery’
The incident occurred at approximately 4.45pm local time, with the race meeting subsequently being abandoned before the final race of the day.
In a statement issued online, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, stated that her horse had ‘suffered a heart attack’ during the race.
The organisation added that Lam was ‘sent to hospital where she is receiving immediate medical care.’
‘The Club’s Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress, Apprentice Jockeys’ School Amy Chan is travelling to Australia to offer all necessary support to Lam and her family,’ the statement added.
Racing South Australia issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, that read: ‘Statement from Racing SA Apprentice Ivy Lam is in a stable condition at RAH [Royal Adelaide Hostpital] where she’s being treated for injuries sustained in a fall during R7 at Gawler today.
‘Ivy was injured when her mount Jacob’s Gate suffered a medical episode & collapsed at the 700m mark.
‘Racing SA Stewards and First Care Medical were immediately on the scene &worked to stabilise her condition prior to the arrival of SA Ambulance paramedics. We’re advised Ivy regained consciousness prior to being airlifted to the RAH where she is currently undergoing scans.
‘We are enormously grateful to all those involved in Ivy’s care. Racing SA is in close contact with Ivy’s family and we will provide further updates when possible.’
The Australian Jockey’s Association also sent their best wishes to Lam following the incident.
‘Sending our wishes to SA apprentice Ivy Lam who was involved in a heavy fall at Gawler today. Our thoughts are with you Ivy for a speedy and full recovery,’ the organisation wrote.