In a heartfelt statement released Friday morning, champion jockey Brett Prebble and his wife Maree Payne provided an update on the condition of their son Tom Prebble, who was seriously injured in a race fall at Warrnambool earlier this week.
“First, on Tom’s behalf, we want to express our appreciation to the Racing Victoria race day medical team who attended Tom within seconds of the fall,” they said. “We also want to thank the Ambulance Victoria crews who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident.”
Tom, 23, underwent major spinal surgery on Tuesday evening after trauma was identified at the T5 vertebra. “The surgery to stabilise his spine was successful and his doctors now advise he is on the road to recovery while the full extent of his injuries remains unclear,” his parents confirmed. They noted that his rehabilitation will be long and challenging.
They also expressed gratitude to the Alfred Hospital Emergency Department, surgical staff, and ICU team for their care, along with Ambulance Victoria’s air wing who transported Tom to Melbourne. “Words cannot possibly express Tom’s and our appreciation for your kindness, care, professionalism and support,” they said.
The family acknowledged the concern and support from the racing community, emphasising Tom’s popularity and respect within the jockey ranks despite being just three years into his career. They asked for privacy as he recovers, adding that further updates will be shared through Racing Victoria and the Victorian Jockeys Association.
“Lastly, as Tom’s parents, we would like to express our thanks to Matt Hyland from the VJA, Lisa Stevens from VJA/RV Jockey Assistance Program, RV’s chief medical officer Dr Ben Barresi and all at RV for their unwavering support from the moment of his injury,” the statement concluded.
