Young Jockey Hospitalised After Serious Racecourse Fall
A promising apprentice jockey is fighting for her life in a New Zealand hospital following a horrific racing incident. Bailey Rogerson, 24, was placed in an induced coma after a fall from her horse, Mandalo, during a race at Arawa Park on Sunday.
Details of the Arawa Park Incident
The accident occurred when Rogerson's mount clipped the heels of another runner, In A Pickle, causing the devastating fall. She was immediately rushed to Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit. Medical scans confirmed the young jockey had sustained a fractured skull, and doctors were concerned about a potential brain bleed, leading to the decision to induce a coma.
Her grandfather, renowned Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Graeme Rogerson, provided an update, stating that while there might also be a broken bone in her neck, the fact she has movement in her limbs is "good news". He confirmed her mother, former jockey Michelle Northcott, is at her bedside.
Racing Community Reacts and Jockey Banned
The racing world has been shaken by the event. Corentin Berge, the jockey riding In A Pickle, received a four-week ban for his role in the interference that caused the fall. The incident cast a shadow over what had been a successful day for Rogerson, who had earlier celebrated her 58th career winner aboard Burnished.
Described by her family as "very tough," Rogerson is known for her dedication, often taking rides that other jockeys decline simply for the love of the sport. The medical team's next step will be to carefully bring her out of the induced coma as her condition stabilises.
