Victorian jockey Laura Lafferty, known for her resilience and dedication to the sport, is now out of her medically induced coma after a horrific fall at Ballarat on Thursday. The 25-year-old was leading the 1400m maiden race on the $201 outsider The Praised One when the incident occurred at the 800m mark. Despite regaining consciousness soon after the fall, Lafferty had to be airlifted to a Melbourne hospital for immediate treatment.

After being placed in an induced coma, Lafferty was diagnosed with several serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, broken rib, and trauma to her spleen and liver. The fall, which shocked the racing community, has left her in a delicate condition that will require extended time in intensive care. Her recovery journey will be long and closely monitored.

Lafferty’s manager, Simon Lambert, offered an update on her status, revealing that she has sustained “deep-seated severe bruising” across most of her body. “Especially hip to neck,” he shared, highlighting the severity of the impact. Despite the grim outlook, there are signs of progress as Lambert noted that the brace previously fitted on her upper body has been removed after a thorough evaluation by the trauma team. The positive news is that Lafferty’s spine and legs appear to be unaffected by the fall.

“Under heavy sedation of course but she is communicating occasionally between some uncomfortable issues,” Lambert stated. “Remains in ICU at this stage of course and no plans to shift her from ICU at this stage. However, in time Laura will be ok, they [doctors] suggested.” These words provide some reassurance to Lafferty’s family, friends, and fans who have been anxiously awaiting updates on her condition.

Earlier in the day, Victorian Jockeys’ Association (VJA) chief executive Matt Hyland also spoke on Lafferty’s progress, confirming that doctors had begun reducing her sedation levels. Hyland shared that he had spoken with Lafferty’s father, and the family is relieved that her condition is showing signs of improvement. “She will undergo more tests and scans today, but the good news is they brought her out of that coma through the middle of the night,” Hyland told RSN Radio.

He elaborated on the significance of this development, stating, “Generally it was pretty good news when doctors made the decision to wake them up [from the induced coma] that quickly.” The optimism is shared by everyone closely following Lafferty’s recovery, though Hyland cautioned that it is still uncertain if she will require any surgical procedures to address the injuries.

The fall at Ballarat was described as “a shocking fall” by racing broadcaster Michael Felgate. He emphasized the sense of worry that spread through the racing community following the incident. “A lot of the reports initially were fairly scary and unnerving,” Felgate noted, underscoring the fear for Lafferty’s well-being. However, he also acknowledged that the latest news is promising. “Fingers are crossed and thoughts with Laura’s family as well,” he said.

Lafferty’s family is deeply rooted in the racing world, and the support she’s receiving reflects their long-standing connection to the sport. “I know down in that Warrnambool region they are a famous racing family and everyone will be extremely concerned and hopeful she can make a full recovery as soon as possible,” Felgate added. The outpouring of support from the racing community has been immense, with many holding onto hope that Lafferty will make a full recovery and return to the sport she loves.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Lafferty has faced serious injuries in her career. The talented jockey has experienced a string of bad luck over the past few years. In 2021, she was involved in a race fall at Swan Hill, where she suffered ligament damage, concussion, and bone bruising. That incident sidelined her for a considerable period, but she fought her way back to the track.

Again, in 2022, Lafferty encountered more severe setbacks when her mount had a medical episode, resulting in another concussion and whiplash. Each time, Lafferty showed remarkable resilience and an unyielding passion for the sport, always working hard to get back in the saddle despite the risks involved.

The fall at Ballarat marks yet another major hurdle in her career. Racing Victoria released a statement shortly after the incident, stating that The Praised One “shied before the fall.” Fortunately, the horse was uninjured in the accident. Racing Victoria has since confirmed that a formal inquiry will be opened to investigate the circumstances leading up to the fall.

The focus, however, remains on Lafferty’s recovery. As she fights her way back from this terrifying incident, the racing community will continue to rally behind her, offering unwavering support and encouragement. While it is still unclear how long she will remain in intensive care or what the long-term prognosis will be, there is a sense of cautious optimism.

Lafferty’s determination and courage have been hallmarks of her career, and many believe that these qualities will once again see her through. For now, though, the priority is ensuring her safety and comfort as she takes the necessary time to heal. The coming days will be critical, and updates on her condition will be closely followed by all who are invested in her well-being.