Jockey Bailey Rogerson regains consciousness

Apprentice jockey Bailey Rogerson remains in the intensive care unit at Waikato Hospital, but her condition has markedly improved after she regained consciousness and is now breathing unassisted.

Her grandfather, leading trainer Graeme Rogerson, said on Thursday afternoon that an MRI conducted on Wednesday preceded a significant overall improvement. While still feeling the effects of Sunday’s fall at Rotorua, the 24-year-old has begun the long recovery process.

“She’s certainly turned the corner and although she has a long way to go, it’s a big relief for all of us that she’s a whole lot better than she was to begin with,” Rogerson said.

“Her injuries include a fractured skull and brain bleed, a vertebrae fracture and facial injuries, but you’d have to say she’s a lucky girl, it could have been a whole lot worse.”

Rogerson also expressed deep gratitude for the racing community’s support since his granddaughter’s condition became public.