Apprentice jockey Rose Hammond’s 21st birthday took an unexpected turn when she found herself recovering from a race fall at Donald on Friday.
Sustaining a concussion after falling from the veteran galloper Pravro soon after the start of the sixth event, Hammond spent the night in Bendigo Hospital.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Pravro emerged unharmed and continued running during the race.
Having a close association with the 10-year-old son of Lonhro, Hammond regularly rode Pravro for her bosses and “second family,” trainers Gwenda and Mick Johnstone based in Echuca.
While Hammond’s birthday celebrations were subdued, the jockey is recovering well and was grateful to be back home with her family.
Mick Johnstone provided an update on her condition, stating that Hammond will be sidelined for at least 12 days under concussion protocols.
The young jockey has had a successful first season, securing 18 career victories, including eight for the Johnstones.
