Jockey awake and communicating after horror racing incident

Jockey Ethan Brown is communicating with his family from hospital after undergoing three surgeries in as many days following a horror fall at the Australian Guineas.

The Victorian Jockeys’ Association on Tuesday confirmed that Brown, 23, underwent further surgery on Monday night and remains in intensive care.

Victorian Jockeys’ Association chief executive Matt Hyland said doctors reduced Brown’s sedation following the latest operation. He is set to be transferred to a ward in the coming days.

Ethan Brown pictured winning the Turnbull Stakes with Smokin’ Romans. Credit: Vince Caligiuri, Getty Images

“[Doctors] were happy that there was no more internal bleeding,” Hyland said. “It’s going to be months of recovery.

“The pleasing thing is, he’s awake and communicating.”

Brown (Maximillius) and fellow jockey Mark Zahra (Holymanz) were thrown from their horses as they passed the 300-metre mark at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday.

Brown was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital after suffering internal injuries, including to his liver, with Maximillius rolling on him.

Zahra was able to walk away from the incident and declared himself fit to continue to ride at the meeting.

Brown first underwent surgery overnight on Saturday to assist with internal bleeding.

Hyland said the length of Brown’s recovery could depend on the extent of any other potential injuries yet to be identified.

“One thing’s for sure, the main issues that he was faced with have all been dealt with,” he said. “Any secondary stuff will only be minor compared to what he has dealt with in the last few days.”

The co-trainer of Maximillius, Michael Kent Jnr, said Brown was a “wonderful human being” and he and others in the racing community felt sick following the incident.

Brown had ridden group one-winning horses at the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington in October and the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield in August.

“He was riding winners for fun, just oozing confidence,” Kent said.

“It’s definitely a blow to his career. But nothing is more vital than your health, and we’re just praying he can carry on as normal.”

Racing Victoria stewards have adjourned an inquiry into the cause of the fall to allow evidence to be heard from Brown. Zahra, Damien Oliver (Amenable) and Blake Shinn (Elliptical) will also be required to give evidence.

with Damien Ractliffe