By Craig Kerry
Blake Spriggs is in a critical but stable condition in an induced coma, while Beany Panya broke her back in two places after the jockeys fell at a race meeting at Moruya on Friday.
Panya and Spriggs were dislodged as the field rounded the home turn in the sixth race. The remaining two races were abandoned as the pair were treated. Their mounts, Blesstas and The Boomerang, reportedly escaped injury.
Jockey Blake Spriggs is in an induced coma after a bad fall at Moruya.Credit: Getty Images
Panya also sustained a head injury but woke late on Friday night and recognised supporters, according to a post by her twin sister and fellow jockey, Deanne.
“Approx 12am Beany woke up and recognised her partner, and fellow jockey and friend Robyn Freeman, by her side. Although she doesn’t remember the fall, she asked a few questions about the event and had a little chat. She has fractured her T6 & T7,” Deanne wrote on Facebook.
Panya was originally listed as in a serious but stable condition at Moruya Hospital before being transported to Canberra Hospital.
Racing NSW said on Saturday morning: “Beany has a thoracic spine fracture which may need surgery, but we are awaiting advice from the neurosurgeon. She also has a head injury which at this stage does not need surgery. She is in ICU and will continue to be monitored closely over the next 24 hours.
“Blake is in a critical condition and he will continue to be monitored closely over the next 24 hours.”
On Friday night, Racing NSW said Spriggs “had been intubated with chest and abdominal injuries that will require surgery. He also has fractures to his ribs and clavicle with Blake waiting for an assessment from a neurosurgeon.”
Spriggs, a group 1-winning jockey based in his home town of Newcastle, returned from suspension at the meeting.
