Jockey Kristy Banks is facing life as a possible paraplegic after a fall at Toowoomba on Saturday night.
Banks’ mount August Bishop clipped heels and crashed to the turf shortly after the start in the first race and the 30-year-old suffered shocking injuries including a broken back, four broken ribs and a punctured lung.
She was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where doctors performed 4-1/2 hours of emergency surgery.
Banks’ husband Dale said the doctors’ diagnosis wasn’t encouraging and the worst case scenario was paraplegia.
“She still can’t move her legs and they said the worst outcome was she would be a paraplegic,” Banks said.
“She broke the T12 vertebra and that has caused stress to the spinal chord.
“She was conscious and she’s in good spirits but I don’t think it’s really sunk in for her yet.
“The doctors said the news could get better when the swelling goes down and the nerves could get some sensation back.
“We are all very hopeful but there’s no good news at this stage.”
Racing Queensland chief steward Wade Birch said Banks had the support of the entire racing industry.
“The doctors’ original diagnosis is concerning and we are all behind Kristy,” Birch said.
“I have been in contact with Dale and I am going to the hospital tomorrow to talk to him and visit Kristy.”
Stewards took evidence from several riders who were in the vicinity of the fall and adjourned an inquiry until Banks can give her evidence.
AAP TURF
