Much-loved jockey Kristy Bennett is in an induced coma after a horrific fall at the Gold Coast trials on Tuesday morning. Following the race, Bennett's horse went down, and she was dislodged, suffering a worrying bleed on the brain.
The 29-year-old was unconscious but reportedly breathing when a high-care ambulance attended to her on the course. She was then moved to Southport University Hospital, where she is undergoing surgery to address the brain bleed.
Bennett is originally from Western Australia but recently moved to Queensland for a change of scenery. The Australian Jockeys' Association released a statement: "Former WA jockey Kristy Bennett, now riding in QLD has had a fall at Gold Coast trials. As soon as we hear more we will let everyone know updated details. Thoughts and prayers are with Kristy."
At the Gold Coast, Bennett had been riding trackwork for top local trainer Tony Gollan while seeking greater opportunities across Queensland. Bennett has won 186 races since beginning her career in 2018, landing her first ride and later first winner aboard the Paul Jordan-trained Chinetti at Belmont Park.
She secured her first Saturday winner on the David Harrison-prepared Patristic in January 2020, with that revered WA trainer later giving her a maiden Group race steer on Media Baron. Bennett later scored a treble on Perth Cup day, which she regards as a career highlight, and has now ridden in a handful of Group and Listed events.
At the beginning of this year, Bennett felt her momentum waning and wished for a change of scenery, switching to Queensland racing. "I just got to the point of my life where I wanted to experience something new and have a new challenge," she said only a fortnight ago. "I did enjoy Perth and I was still getting opportunities. But, I just needed something to challenge myself more. I'm really into my fitness. I love the gym and I love that sort of lifestyle."
A month on from her previous rides at Geraldton, Bennett made her Sunshine State debut at Emerald on May 16. "It was a nice track to ride at and everyone was really friendly, all the girls in the room helped me out," she said at the time. "And, they were all very welcoming. I've still got more to learn but just by going the other direction, that got me excited. I can't wait to really get the knack for going this direction and find my groove."
