Jockey Kristy Bennett, 29, has opened her eyes for the first time since suffering a brain bleed in a fall nearly three weeks ago. The accident occurred during a trial at Gold Coast when her horse collapsed after crossing the line, throwing her off.
Injury and Surgery
Bennett was taken to Southport University Hospital in a critical but stable condition, unconscious but breathing. She underwent surgery for a bleed on the brain. She also suffered vertebrae fractures and a torn ligament in her neck. Doctors are confident she will walk again with extensive physiotherapy.
Family Update
Her sister Bella shared positive news on Facebook: “Big news: She’s awake. Her eyes have been open most of today for the first time since the accident. We’re observing her reacting to discomfort by pulling at her feeding tube and neck brace. Additionally, she reaches for her dog Gus’s picture.”
Bennett has a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Doctors say the next 18 months of rehab will determine her baseline. She currently has a tracheostomy, but the team is confident it can be removed next week as she is breathing and coughing on her own.
Career and Background
Bennett, who has ridden 186 winners from nearly 3,000 mounts since her first ride in 2018, had recently moved from Western Australia to Queensland to ride trackwork for champion trainer Tony Gollan.
