‘No one knows’: Injured jockey speaks for first time about spinal injury

3 hours ago 1

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Skip to sections navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Injured jockey Tom Prebble has opened up about “remaining positive” as he recovers from the spinal injury that has currently left him without feeling below his rib cage.

The 23-year-old nephew of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne had surgery on his T5 vertebrae last week after falling during a race at Warrnambool.

Tom Prebble finishes second on The Black Cloud in a race at Caulfield in June.

He released a statement on Tuesday to say the prospects of his long-term recovery were still unknown.

“My key injury is to my spinal cord,” he said.

“At the moment, I’ve got nothing happening from the bottom of my rib cage down through my body … currently no feeling or movement.

“My doctors say it’s now a waiting game over the coming weeks and months to see where things land.

“The message is very clear: to remain fully optimistic re improvement but also be realistic and that there are a full range of possible outcomes from this injury.

“So, to the question we all want an answer to: what about my long-term recovery of feeling, movement and mobility? The answer is at this time no one actually knows where things will land.”

Prebble, the son of Melbourne Cup-winning hoop Brett Prebble and former jockey Maree Payne, said he also suffered a neck fracture, rib fractures, minor lung-related issues and damaged teeth from the fall.

His mount, Pulveriser, appeared to clip heels about 700 metres from the finish line in the last race at Warrnambool last Tuesday.

Tom Prebble is recovering from spinal surgery in The Alfred hospital.

Prebble was flown to The Alfred hospital for surgery and was transferred to ICU at the Austin Hospital on Monday.

“To begin, I want to express my thanks to the surgeons, all ICU doctors and nurses and everyone at The Alfred who looked after me,” he said in the statement.

“I’ve been made aware of their incredible care, concern and support while I was there, and I’m forever grateful.

“At some stage today, all being well, I hope to move from the Austin’s ICU into the spinal care ward.

“I’m told it’s likely I’ll stay there for the next few weeks before hopefully being able to move to a rehabilitation facility where I can start months of work.”

Prebble was apprenticed to his uncle and aunty – training duo Patrick and Michelle Payne – at the time of the fall, and was a rising star in the young riding ranks, having ridden a treble at Flemington during the middle of this year.

“I’m blessed to have two of the best parents and sister anyone could wish for, and they’ve got me through this first week,” Prebble said in his statement.

“I’m so grateful to them for their love and support. That thanks goes out to everyone who has expressed their best wishes and concerns for me.

“It means the world to know so many people are behind me in my recovery and I know it will be a big help to me during the tough times in the weeks and months ahead.”

Racing Victoria stewards are still investigating the cause of Prebble’s fall.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.