Family provides update on injured jockey Kristy Bennett

The family of jockey Kristy Bennett has revealed she remains unconscious as she continues to battle serious injuries sustained in a fall at the Gold Coast trials more than two weeks ago.

Bennett suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple vertebrae fractures in a freak incident after a trial had been completed, prompting an outpouring of support from across the Australian racing industry.

On Tuesday afternoon, Bennett’s sister Bella and mother Irene released an update on her condition.

“Kristy remains stable after suffering traumatic brain injury and vertebrae fractures,” the family said.

“She remains unconscious and her rehabilitation could take years to complete and her journey dealing with this injury is far from over.

“Going forward, we won’t have any updates for some time while the amazing doctors and nurses do their incredible work providing Kristy with the best possible care.

“On behalf of our family and Kristy we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone in Queensland and Western Australia for their unwavering love and support.”

Bennett had recently relocated from Western Australia to Queensland in a bid to further her riding career and had been regularly riding trackwork for leading trainer Tony Gollan, while also pursuing race-riding opportunities throughout the state.

Gollan has been among a number of racing figures to visit Bennett during her time in hospital, while Queensland Jockeys’ Association chief executive Glen Prentice has also provided significant support to Bennett and her family throughout the ordeal.

The racing community continues to rally around Bennett as she faces what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.