Jockeys Blake Spriggs and Beany Panya are recovering in hospital after a serious fall during the Moruya Races on Friday (January 17).
The incident occurred around the 400-metre mark of the sixth race when Spriggs’ horse, Blesstas, clipped the leader’s heels and fell, causing Panya’s mount, The Boomerang, to tumble as well.
Spriggs, 32, suffered chest and abdominal injuries, including broken ribs and a fractured clavicle. He was airlifted to Canberra Hospital in critical condition and placed in an induced coma but has since regained consciousness. His family says he remains heavily sedated as he undergoes treatment for internal injuries.
Panya, 31, sustained head injuries and fractured two vertebrae in her back. She also regained consciousness and is stable but remains in serious condition at Canberra Hospital.
Both horses escaped injury in the fall, and the remaining races at the event were abandoned.
The Spriggs family has expressed gratitude for the efforts of Moruya Jockey Club staff, who provided critical care immediately after the incident.
Investigations into the accident are ongoing.
