A young Australian jockey is currently fighting for her life in hospital after suffering a bleed on the brain following a fall from her horse.
Hannah Fitzgerald, 18, is an apprentice jockey down under and was competing at Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, on Saturday night, when she was mounted from her horse following a fourth-place finish.
Following the fall Fitzgerald was knocked unconscious before being rushed to Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital, where she was then transferred to Royal Perth Hospital by air ambulance.
The one remaining race on the card at the Australian track was cancelled following the fall, and in a statement Racing and Wagering Western Australia offered their thoughts to the 18-year-old’s family.
The statement read: "We are supporting the family of apprentice jockey Hannah Fitzgerald, who was involved in an incident at Kalgoorlie Racecourse on Saturday.
“Hannah was dislodged from her mount after the winning post in race six. She was taken to the Kalgoorlie Hospital, where she was later airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.
"Hannah is currently in an induced coma and is in a stable condition.
"Our thoughts are with Hannah and her family during this difficult time. Hannah’s parents are with her and we will continue to provide support any way we can.”
Fitzgerald - who was voted Trainee of the Year at the Apprentice Awards - had also suffered injuries from a car accident in January this year, which she was only just recovering from.
The rising star’s devastated trainer Brett Pope said: "She was starting to ride some winners and then had a car crash.
"She was out of action for four months. She had severe whiplash and it took a long time to get better.
"She was just starting to get into some good form again and then this happens. The doctors were pretty concerned on Saturday night but it looks like it’s stabilised.
"The trauma to her head is what they’re worried about, the rest of her body is OK."
The Australian has announced herself as one the sports hottest prospects despite being just 18-years-old, having won 31 races since June last year, as well as the Trainee of the Year award.
With best wishes flooding in from around the racing world, The WA Jockeys' Association also offered their thoughts: “Sending all our support and love to apprentice Hannah Fitzgerald after a nasty fall at Kalgoorlie.
"Hannah has been flown to Perth for treatment. We are all behind you Hannah. Thoughts are with family and friends."
