Injured SA apprentice Chelsey Reynolds continuing to make progress in recovery from trackwork fall

South Australian apprentice Chelsey Reynolds is continuing to make progress in her recovery from a scary trackwork fall earlier this year.

Chelsey Reynolds returns to scale aboard Pool Pony. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

South Australian apprentice Chelsey Reynolds is continuing to make progress in her recovery from a scary trackwork fall earlier this year.

Reynolds was flown to Flinders Medical Centre on February 13 after suffering head injuries in a fall at a property in Finniss. She was placed into an induced coma and underwent delicate surgery to release pressure on her brain.

The Australian Jockeys Association (AJA) shared an update on Reynolds’ recovery on Tuesday via social media, with Reynolds pictured alongside former jockey and AJA’s occupational health & safety officer Kevin Ring.

“What a wonderful sight seeing a happy and extremely positive Chelsey Reynolds with Kevin Ring,” the statement said.

“Chelsey, her family and masters Glen Kent and Wayne Francis all send their appreciation to everyone for ongoing support.”

What a wonderful sight seeing a happy and extremely positive Chelsey Reynolds with Kevin Ring. Chelsey, her family and masters Glen Kent and Wayne Francis all send their appreciation to everyone for ongoing support. pic.twitter.com/8OXgV7s2mb

— Aust. Jockeys Assoc. (@JockeysAssoc) June 11, 2024

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Kent last month spoke about the positive steps Reynolds was making in her recovery, which included an unassisted lunch with friends – her first since the accident.

“We took her out Friday (May 24) to the Elephant and Castle for her boyfriend’s birthday – it was a good day out,” he told racing.com.

“She’s going really good, my wife and I went down to watch her and we got there just as she was doing a lesson on her rehab, she was walking along and they just hold (her) up under her arms to keep her balanced and she’s taking steps.

“She can walk from the gym back to her room now with them holding her.

“It looks like 4-6 weeks she might be coming home.

“Craig (her boyfriend) hasn’t missed a day with her – he’s there every day.”

"She's going so well, she watches all the races, she loves seeing all the girls win."

It's great to hear that Chelsey Reynolds is tuning in to watch the races! ❤️ @KaylaCrowther2pic.twitter.com/NVhTETIUyr

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 8, 2024

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Racing SA announced an encouraging update on Reynolds’ condition in a statement released on May 27.

“Chelsey’s partner, Craig Merritt, reports that she is doing exceptionally well and eagerly anticipates returning home,” the statement said.

“In recent weeks, Chelsey has taken her first assisted steps and continues to grow stronger each day. Thanks to ongoing therapy, she has also regained much of her speech and comprehension.

“Chelsey’s spirits have been uplifted by the numerous supportive messages she has received on Facebook and is now able to respond to these well-wishes, which have played a crucial role in maintaining her positive outlook during this time.

“In a significant milestone, Chelsey and Craig celebrated his birthday on Friday by enjoying an unassisted lunch with friends — their first unassisted outing together since her accident.”

Reynolds has ridden seven winners from 52 rides during her time in the saddle, including a win in her first race aboard The Great Baby at Balaklava on July 30 last year.

Her most recent success came aboard Pool Pony at Murray Bridge on December 10.

Originally published as Injured SA apprentice Chelsey Reynolds continuing to make progress in recovery from trackwork fall