Latest News

By Mark Brassel

Racing NSW often fields inquiries as to the whereabouts of certain jockeys currently sidelined due to injury. Following are the latest updates available:-

DANIEL NORTHEY - was jumping a horse out of the barriers for trainer Rod Northam at Scone on 6 December 2017 when his mount became fractious and ended up rearing over on top of him. He was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital at Newcastle with a suspected pelvis injury.
[Update on 18th July 2018]: Daniel will be going into hospital on Friday 20th July for another operation to remove more scar tissue from his urethra which is causing bladder issues. The Surgeon is confident this will be the final operation and the scar tissue won't return.
[Update on 22nd May 2018]: Daniel will be having another operation on 1st June to investigate a screw in his pelvis that has been aggravating him and causing discomfort. It is believed the washer behind the screw is loose and causing the problem. If the screw and washer can be removed, the Specialist may be able to add extra washers to tighten the existing one. Daniel will return two weeks after the operation to have the stitches removed but at this stage there is no comeback date.
[Update on 27th March 2018]: Daniel is having a operation today to remove two bladder stones. This is a side-effect of having a catheter which Daniel had in for 10 weeks.
[Update on 28 February 2018]: Daniel saw his surgeon on Monday [26th February] who was happy with the progress of his pelvis since the brace was removed. Daniel will now start physio and may be back on a horse as early as May.
[Update on 5 February 2018]: Daniel saw his surgeon today who was pleased with the progress of his pelvis and advised he can have the brace removed on 13 February.
[Update on 7 December 2017]: Racing NSW's Dr. Duckworth has reported that Daniel Northey underwent surgery to fix his pelvis last night at John Hunter Hospital. The surgery went well and he will be in hospital for at least another week. He will not ride for at least for three months.

STACEY METCALFE - was dislodged from her mount (Lord Laurie) at Albury on Sunday, 18th March after it blundered very badly on jumping and then shifted outwards abruptly. Scans revealed damage to her shoulder which may dislocate with further use. She was referred to a specialist for further advice.
[Update on 17th July 2018]: Stacey has been given the all-clear from Dr Duckworth to return to trackwork this week. Stacey is hopeful of a return to race riding in around 4-5 weeks.
[Update on 28th May 2018]: Stacey started physio for her shoulder on Friday, with her physio very pleased with her shoulder. The Physio has introduced exercises for Stacey's shoulder and approved Stacey to return to the gym on limited activities.
[Update on 28th March 2018]: Racing NSW's Dr Duckworth has reported that he has seen Stacey following ongoing injuries suffered in the Albury fall. He said Stacey has partially dislocated her shoulder and has a torn ligament. Stacey will undergo a shoulder reconstruction next week and a ligament repair.

ALENA SKERRITT - the apprentice was dislodged from her mount (Izzy or Izznthe) when it shifted abruptly at the 300m in Race 6 at Cessnock on Monday, 16th July 2018. Alena landed awkwardly and after being assessed by ambulance officers, she appears to have suffered a concussion and will be transported to John Hunter Hospital for further observation.
Update Monday night (16th July): Racing NSW's Dr. Duckworth reported that Alena Skerritt is still in hospital getting some scans done. She has some concussion and will probably stay overnight for observation.

LEXI MURRAY - the trackwork rider suffered a fall during morning trackwork at Taree on Wednesday, 11th July 2018. Lexi landed awkwardly on her right side after being dislodged from her mount. She was complaining of neck, shoulder and pelvis pain and was taken to hospital. Her mother Fiona Murray said that Lexi does not appear to have suffered any broken bones and will undergo precautionary MRI scans.
Update at 9am on Thursday (12th July): Racing NSW's Dr Duckworth reports that Lexi has been discharged from hospital and an MRI scan of her neck was clear. She also has injured her shoulder and those x-rays were clear. Should Lexi have further problems with her shoulder next week, she will see Dr Duckworth in Sydney.

BILLY CRAY - was dislodged on Friday morning (6th July) during trackwork at Muswellbrook. Billy was assessed by the ambulance officers and has a suspected broken right elbow and dislocated shoulder. He has since been flown to John Hunter Hospital.
Update 1pm (Friday 6th July): Dr Duckworth has reported Billy has a fractured thumb that will more than likely require surgery. He also has a fractured humerus on the other side. If the humerus requires surgery he will be coming down to Sydney for the operation next week.

CRAIG DWYER - was thrown backwards from his mount when it became fractious in the barriers. He has sustained an injury to his right ankle and is being transported to hospital for scans and treatment.
Update 3pm (Wednesday, 27th June 2018): Racing NSW's Dr. Duckworth has reported that Craig Dwyer has an undisplaced fracture of his fibula, just below his knee. This can be treated with rest and a splint and generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal. He has been discharged from hospital and will see his GP tomorrow.

MATHEW CAHILL- sustained a hand injury in a race fall at Wellington on Thursday (7th June) when dislodged from Jetgirl at around the 200m mark. Mathew's hand was swollen and he will be getting x-rays on it today (Friday 8th June).
[Update on Tuesday, 12th June 2018]: Mathew underwent minor surgery on his hand on Saturday night and will be out for approximately six weeks.

WILLIAM PEARSON - was dislodged shortly after the winning post in race 4 on Ghost Rider at Boorowa (Saturday, 5th May) after his mount shied at a shadow. William suffered bruising to his flank.

RONALD SIMPSON - Racing NSW Steward Sam Fitzgerald reported Ronald Simpson was dislodged from Billy Bent Ear in Race 6 at Coonabarabran on Saturday (28th April), after his saddle shifted severely in the early stages. He received an injury to his left leg and was transported to Coonabarabran Base Hospital for treatment.
[Update on Sunday, 29th April 2018]: Dr Duckworth has reported that Ronald is fine and has been discharged. He has a soft tissue injury to his leg and no fractures which should take a couple of days to settle down.

KATELYN JENKINSON - Racing NSW Steward Ian Grimes has reported Katelyn was dislodged from her mount during a barrier trial at Narromine on Sunday, 22nd April 2018. Katelyn was complaining of soreness to her back; neck and shoulder and was transported to Dubbo Hospital.
[Update at 3:35pm Tuesday, 24th April 2018]: Dr Duckworth has reported Katelyn is still in hospital.  She has been experiencing double vision since the accident and will most likely have to stay in hospital for another few days as she undergoes testing. She also has possible ligament damage to her shoulder. The MRI scan of her brain was clear.
[Update at 5:30pm Monday, 23rd April 2018]: Dr Duckworth has reported that Katelyn is still in hospital and stable. She is having an MRI scan of her brain and neck this afternoon due to headaches since the fall.
[Update at 11am Monday, 23rd April 2018]: Dr Duckworth has reported Katelyn was admitted to Dubbo Hospital overnight. He is still waiting to hear about her shoulder x-rays.

CHLOE BAKER - was dislodged from Annarose during race 1 at Taree on Saturday (7th April). Chloe was very stiff and sore, especially around the neck and back regions, and was taken to Port Macquarie Hospital.
[Update on 11th April 2018]: Chloe Baker has been discharged from Port Macquarie Hospital and is coming to Sydney today. She is having the clavicle fracture fixed this afternoon and her neck fracture will be assessed by a neurosurgeon.
Update at 3:45pm on Monday 9th April: Chloe had an MRI where it was revealed she has a fractured clavicle and will probably be operated in Sydney on Wednesday (11th April).

KIRK MATHESON - was dislodged from his mount, Legal Loophole, at the 200m mark during race 4 at Grafton on Tuesday (20th March). Kirk was conscious after the fall and was complaining of pain to his chest and ribs. He was transported to Coffs Harbour Hospital for scans and treatment.
Update at 9am on Tuesday, 27th March 2018: Racing NSW's Dr Duckworth reports that Kirk was discharged from Coffs Harbour Hospital over the weekend and is doing reasonably well. He is back home with fractured ribs and a bruised liver and will be seen by his GP this week. Kirk is likely to be sidelined for at least another eight weeks.
Update at 9:30am on Wednesday, 21st March 2018: Kirk is in the intensive care unit at Coffs Harbour Hospital after scans last night revealed he suffered a laceration to his liver. He remains under observation following an operation to stop the bleeding. Kirk has also suffered a couple of broken ribs.
Update at 6:40pm on Tuesday, 20th March 2018: Racing NSW's Dr Tim Musgrove reports that he spoke with the Admitting Officer (Doctor) and reported Kirk is in a stable condition. Kirk suffered a right-sided chest injury, more likely soft tissue, but this will be followed up with CT scans to his neck, chest and abdomen. Dr Musgrove will liaise with Kirk and his family as results come to hand.

Trackwork riders EMMA CAMPBELL and SAMANTHA CORMIE were involved in separate trackwork incidents on 13th March. Emma Campbell suffered a fall at Albury and was taken to hospital where x-rays confirmed she has a fractured pelvis. Emma is still in hospital receiving treatment. Samantha Cormie suffered a fall at Wagga and was taken to hospital with a haematoma injury to her head but has since been sent home to recover.

NYSSA BURRELLS: The apprentice jockey suffered a fall during jump-outs on Friday, 29th December 2017 when the horse she was riding fell and landed on her. Please click on the following link for updates - Nyssa Burrells updates

SHELLEY WALSH - was riding the topweight [Ardimento] in race 4 at the Sapphire Coast on Tuesday [7th November] when she suffered a dislocated left shoulder halfway down the main straight. Racing NSW's Dr David Duckworth reported that Shelley Walsh went to Bega Hospital and after an x-ray, was discharged last night. Dr Duckworth will see her today to organise scans and see if she requires further treatment.

JOHN KISSICK - the Southern Districts Racing Association-based jockey John Kissick was competing in a private steer riding session in late October 2016 when he was thrown heavily on his head. John fractured his T-12 vertebrae and was transported to Canberra Hospital for treatment. John has movement in all his limbs and Doctors have informed him he will be off work for a minimum of 12 months. John has been recovering at his mother’s home in Griffith.

*Jockeys/Riders' Agents: Please note to add or update any information to this list please email any details to - mbrassel@racingnsw.com.au or call (02) 9551 7568.