Promising Jockey Hospitalised After Terrifying Race Fall
Bailey Rogerson, a 24-year-old jockey with celebrated racing lineage, is fighting for her life in Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit following a serious race fall in New Zealand on Sunday. The young rider, who is the granddaughter of Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Graeme Rogerson, remains in an induced coma after suffering significant injuries during the Arawa Parking meeting.
Critical Condition Following Track Incident
Medical professionals made the decision to induce Rogerson due to concerns about potential brain bleeding after she sustained a fractured skull in the frightening accident. Doctors have not yet ruled out additional bone fractures as they continue to assess her condition. The incident occurred during Race 6 when Rogerson's mount Mandolo clipped the heels of another horse, In A Pickle, at the 400-metre mark, causing the young jockey to be unseated.
Graeme Rogerson, a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, confirmed to media that Bailey's mother Michelle Northcott - herself a former jockey - has maintained a constant vigil at her daughter's bedside since the accident occurred. The family remains hopeful despite the serious nature of her injuries.
Racing Community Rallies Around Injured Rider
French jockey Corentin Berge, who was riding In A Pickle during the incident, has received a four-week suspension from racing stewards for allowing his mount to move out dangerously, which ultimately caused the check that unseated Rogerson. The racing community has shown overwhelming support for the injured jockey, with numerous well-wishers reaching out to the family during this difficult time.
Earlier on the same day as her accident, Rogerson had celebrated her 58th career winner when Burnished triumphed in the Waitomo Fuels 1400m race. Her grandfather described her as a determined rider who accepts mounts that other jockeys might avoid, demonstrating her genuine passion for the sport.
The family expects to provide further updates on Bailey's condition within the next 24 hours as doctors attempt to bring her out of the medically induced coma. Movement in her limbs has been noted as positive news amid the concerning circumstances.
