Apprentice Leah Kilner remains in intensive care, three days after she was seriously injured in a race day fall at Grafton.
The young rider, who was airlifted to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital following the accident, underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her brain on Sunday night and was briefly brought out of her coma on Tuesday when she was able to squeeze her mother’s hand.
Racing NSW provided a further update on Kilner’s condition on Wednesday after speaking to her family, who have been at her bedside.
“Leah’s father Greg reports that she has had a good night’s rest,” Racing NSW reported. “She remains in ICU and will continue to be monitored today.”
Kilner was dislodged from her mount Stella’s Turn just before the winning post in the third race at Grafton on Sunday. It was later confirmed she had suffered fractured ribs and a fractured clavicle, but she was cleared of spinal injuries.
Fellow apprentice Elissa Meredith was injured in a race fall at Gunnedah just 24 hours later and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for further assessment and treatment. She was reported to be in a stable condition and doctors have been pleased with her progress.
When news broke of Leah Kilner’s fall on Sunday, it didn't take long for her peers to rally around the 24-year-old and her family. While there is still a long road ahead, the racing industry is well and truly in her corner.
— Racing Queensland (@Racing_QLD) July 6, 2022
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