Leading apprentice Tom Prebble undergoes spinal surgery

Leading Victorian apprentice jockey Tom Prebble has undergone spinal surgery in Melbourne following a race fall at Warrnambool.

The 23-year-old rider was attended to by on-course paramedics before being airlifted by Ambulance Victoria to The Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.

Prebble, the son of former jockeys Brett Prebble and Maree Payne, came down when his mount Pulveriser clipped heels around the 700-metre mark.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Victorian Jockeys’ Association confirmed: “(Prebble) is being supported by medical and nursing staff. His condition will be monitored.

“The family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support, checking on Thomas and his well-being. It is greatly appreciated.

“In order for the family to devote their time and energy to provide as much support as they can to Thomas, it is kindly requested that their privacy be respected.”

Prebble has enjoyed a breakout year in the saddle, highlighted by victory in last season’s Rising Stars series for apprentices and a winning treble at Flemington in June — his best day to date at metropolitan level.