SA jockey Ivy Lam in stable condition after horror fall at Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club

Horse racing officials have given an update on the youngster’s condition after she was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital on Monday.

There are “positive signs” for apprentice jockey Ivy Lam after a horrifying accident at Gawler left her fighting for her life on Monday, the head of Racing SA says.

Ms Lam was in a stable condition on Tuesday afternoon

The 20-year-old sustained serious head injuries after falling off a horse at the Gawler Racecourse and was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in critical condition on Monday.

Ms Lam was treated at the scene by paramedics who were able to stabilise her.

While it’s unknown if she’ll be able to get back in the saddle, Ms Lam won’t need surgery which was a “positive” sign, Racing SA CEO Vaughn Lynch said on Tuesday.

“It’s probably too early to tell, but the early signs are good,” he said.

“It doesn’t look like she needs any surgery and the bleeding on the brain, while not ideal, is something that is recoverable.”

Around 4:45pm, Ms Lam was competing in a race at the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club when her horse, Jacob’s Gate, suffered a heart attack and collapsed at the 700 metre mark.

The young jockey is now in a stable condition and being treated at the RAH. Picture: Facebook. Picture: Facebook

The horse tragically died afterwards.

Ms Lam is currently completing an apprenticeship in Adelaide under the mentorship of trainer Damien Moyle.

“She’s just been a complete breath of fresh air since she arrived from Hong Kong [last year]” he said.

“She’s made my stable a lot happier stable to be around.

“She’s always got a smile on her face. She absolutely adores the horses.”

Mr Moyle was at the track when the accident occurred and was relived to hear that Ms Lam was recovering.

“There was a few nervous hours here yesterday, so it’s good at this stage that the news is positive,” he said.

Ms Lam’s mother along with her apprenticeship academy manager flew to Adelaide from Hong Kong on Monday to be by her side.

“Racing SA Stewards and First Care Medical staff were immediately on the scene and worked to stabilise her condition prior to the arrival of SA Ambulance paramedics,” a Racing SA spokesperson said.

“We are advised that Ivy regained consciousness prior to being flown to the RAH where she is currently undergoing scans.

“We are enormously grateful to all those involved in Ivy’s care.”

Around 4.45pm, Ms Lam was competing in a race at the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club when her horse, Jacob’s Gate, suffered a medical episode and collapsed at the 700 metre mark.

Footage showed the horse withdrawing back before falling forward, causing Ms Lam to also lose her grip and fall.

Indentured to Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle, the young jockey has ridden 16 winners from 139 rides since beginning her race riding career in January.

BREAKING: A young jockey has been critically injured in a race fall at Gawler. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/Pkq87mkXw9

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) October 7, 2024

Her latest winner was aboard The Stalker at Balaklava on Wednesday.

Originally published as SA jockey Ivy Lam in stable condition after horror fall at Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club