By Patrick Bartley
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne could be sidelined from racing until the Spring carnival after undergoing surgery on her abdomen on Tuesday.
Payne was injured in a fall at the Mildura races on Monday and remains in a serious but stable condition, although surgeons at the Alfred hospital, where she was airlifted were happy with the outcome of the procedure.
"We haven't spoken to her because of the sedation but the doctors were very happy with how the surgery turned out but we will know more in the next 48 hours," said Payne's elder sister, Therese.
The family believe that she will remain in hospital for at least a week during which she will be under constant supervision from surgeons.
Michelle Payne remains in the Alfred.Credit: Getty Images
Victorian jockeys chief executive, Des O'Keefe said: "The family have been inundated with well wishes for Michelle's speedy recovery".
Payne has been under strong demand across the world following her Melbourne Cup success on Prince of Penzance last year.However, she will no longer travel to Royal Ascot in England for a trip booked some months ago and she will also be unable to fulfil rides in Switzerland later this year. It was believed that she had been set to met the Royal family on the trip.
Payne was initially taken to Mildura Base Hospital but was airlifted to the Alfred late on Monday night after she serious abdominal pain.
Payne tweeted out late on Monday night "Thank you for all the well wishes."