Apprentice jockey Leah Kilner still in critical condition following sickening fall

There is “hope” for a young jockey who underwent brain surgery after being involved in a sickening fall on Sunday.

Young apprentice jockey Leah Kilner’s brain surgery reportedly “went as well as could possibly be expected” after she was involved in a serious fall in Grafton, NSW on Sunday.

Shocking footage of the incident shows the 24-year-old being thrown from her horse Stella Turn about 75m from the winning post at the Clarence River Jockey Club.

Jockey Leah Kilner was flown to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital following a fall.

Stella Turn appears to stumble and fall, causing Kilner to sickeningly be slammed into the ground.

The Brisbane-based jockey was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital after more than an hour on the track and was in an induced coma as of Sunday night.

“Apprentice jockey Leah Kilner was dislodged from her mount just prior to the winning post in Race 3 at Grafton today,” Racing NSW said in a statement.

“Leah has been airlifted to Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane where she’s in an induced coma and is being treated for a possible brain injury.”

In a subsequent statement on Monday morning, Racing NSW said there was “little change” overnight.

“Leah remains in a critical condition in hospital. Leah underwent surgery last night to relieve pressure on her brain and is also being assessed for spinal injuries,” it said.

Leah Kilner is still in a critical condition.

But Clarence River Jockey Club chief executive Michael Beattie offered hope in a separate update on Kilner’s condition.

‘’Reports coming back to the track are that Leah’s operation went as well as could possibly be expected, and there is certainly a lot of hope held out for a positive outcome,” he told SEN Track’s Bensley radio show on Monday morning.

Trainer Rob Heathcote said it was a “very grave situation” on Sunday night and asked the community to “pray for her recovery”.

“She is a very sick young girl and she is in a coma since the fall,” he said in a statement.

“She is currently, as at 6pm Sunday having surgery to release the pressure on her brain.

“It is a very grave situation and we should all pray for her to come through this.

“Leah is the most beautiful young lady I have met in racing so we need to pray for her recovery.”

Rob Heathcote and Leah Kilner. Picture: Grant Peters-Trackside Photography

Kilner’s father, local Grafton trainer Greg, and mother were at the track when the horrifying fall occurred.

The remaining six races of the meet were postponed out of respect and for the mental wellbeing of the other riders.

The races have since been rescheduled for Tuesday.

Jockey Leah Kilner arrives at Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital. Picture: 9NEWS Brisbane

There has been outpouring of emotion and support from thousands on social media following Kilner’s fall.

“Thoughts and best wishes go out to Leah Kilner and her family and the Heathcote stable. A reminder of how much our jockeys and track riders put on the line every time they saddle up,” one person said.

“Really flat tonight regarding the Leah Kilner news. We love watching and being involved in our sport but want everyone to get home safe to their families every day. Continuous prayers right now and thoughts with Leah and family,” said another.

“Extremely tough day on course today difficult to find the right words, ultimately we hope the collective positive thoughts from the racing family give Leah Kilner the strength she needs at this time and hope it gives her family and friends some comfort that we are all behind them,” the Mane Lodge said.

A GoFundMe page for Kilner’s medical bills and recovery has raised more than $5000 in under a day.

She has ridden 204 winners since her competitive career started in December, 2017 and won 46 races during 2021-22

Her horse, Stella Turn, was euthanised soon after the incident.

Originally published as Apprentice jockey Leah Kilner still in critical condition following sickening fall