Jockey Kristy Bennett’s Recovery Expected to Span Years Following Severe Injuries
The family of Australian jockey Kristy Bennett has provided a difficult update, revealing that the 29-year-old remains unconscious and faces a lengthy recovery period of potentially several years after sustaining serious injuries in a recent race trial.
Bennett was critically injured during trackwork on the Gold Coast, an incident that resulted in her horse falling and Bennett suffering a brain bleed. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and she has since undergone surgery and is receiving care at Southport University Hospital.
Update from Specialists Reveals Ongoing Condition
A recent statement, shared by the Australian Jockeys Association on behalf of Bennett’s family, detailed her current condition. “Kristy remains unconscious after suffering traumatic brain injuries and vertebrae fractures,” the statement read. “Her rehabilitation could take years to complete.”
The family indicated that updates will be infrequent as medical professionals focus on providing Bennett with the best possible care. They also expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support from across Queensland and Western Australia.
Widespread Support for Injured Jockey
The racing community and fans have flooded social media with messages of support and well wishes for Bennett and her family. “So sad, love and strength to the Bennetts,” one user commented. Another shared, “Horrendous injuries – I can only offer my prayers and hope.”
Bennett, a popular jockey, had recently relocated from Western Australia to Queensland. She had been riding trackwork for prominent trainer Tony Gollan and had her first race in Queensland in May.
Bennett’s Racing Career Statistics
Prior to her injury, Bennett had accumulated 187 wins from 2,963 starts, along with 652 placings throughout her career. She began her professional jockey career in 2018, with her first victory aboard the horse Chinetti, trained by Paul Jordan.
