In a heartening update from New Zealand, young jockey Bailey Rogerson has emerged from a medically induced coma following a terrifying race fall over the weekend. The 24-year-old, however, still faces a lengthy and challenging recovery in Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit.
A Terrifying Incident on the Track
The promising apprentice was riding Mandolo for her mother at the Arawa Parking meeting when the incident occurred. During Race 6, at the 400-metre mark, Mandolo tragically clipped the heels of another horse, In A Pickle, unseating Rogerson in a devastating fall.
The aftermath was severe. Rogerson suffered a fractured skull, a brain bleed, a vertebrae fracture, and significant facial injuries. She was initially treated by on-course medical staff and transported to Rotorua Hospital. As her condition deteriorated, she was airlifted to the more advanced Waikato Hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma to aid her recovery.
Turning a Corner in Recovery
Her famous grandfather, renowned horse trainer Graeme Rogerson, has now shared a positive development. He confirmed to Sport Nation that his granddaughter has regained consciousness and is breathing without assistance.
"She's certainly turned the corner and although she has a long way to go, it's a big relief for all of us that she's a whole lot better than she was to begin with," Graeme stated. He somberly reflected on the gravity of her injuries but noted, "you'd have to say she's a lucky girl, it could have been a whole lot worse."
Stewards investigating the incident have suspended French jockey Corentin Berge, who was aboard In A Pickle, for four weeks. The suspension was issued for allowing his mount to dangerously move out, which ultimately checked Rogerson's horse and caused the fall.
An Outpouring of Support from the Global Racing Community
Graeme Rogerson was effusive in his praise for the medical teams that have cared for Bailey, from the initial track-side response to the ongoing specialist care in ICU. "The medical people have been wonderful... They couldn't have done more for Bailey," he said.
The family has also been deeply moved by the flood of support from the racing world and beyond. "I can't believe the racing community, the number of calls, messages, people from all around the world," Graeme shared. This includes equestrian legend Mark Todd, for whom Bailey worked in England during the COVID pandemic, and even the rider of the Kentucky Derby winner.
While her parents, Gary and Michelle, have maintained a constant vigil at her bedside, visitor numbers are being carefully managed to aid her recovery. "It's times like these you realise just how caring people are," Graeme added, acknowledging the overwhelming kindness shown to the family.
