Leah Kilner is fighting for her life after an accident during a race at Grafton. Image: Instagram/Nine News
There are serious concerns about young Australian jockey Leah Kilner after the 24-year-old was seriously injured in a scary race at Grafton on Sunday.
The apprentice jockey was thrown from the horse Stella Turn in the home stretch of a race at the Clarence River Jockey Club.
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Stella Turne collapses from injury and throws Kilner headfirst to the ground.
After long-term treatment at the track, the Brisbane jockey was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.
Kilner has since had surgery to reduce the swelling in his brain.
“Apprentice jockey Leah Kilner was removed from her mount shortly before taking the winning post in Race 3 at Grafton today,” Racing NSW said in a statement.
“Leah was taken to Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane where she is in an induced coma and is being treated for a possible brain injury.”
Leah Kilner was thrown from her horse in Grafton. Image: Nine Messages
Trainer Rob Heathcote urged the racing community to “pray for his recovery”.
“She is a very ill young girl and has been in a coma since her fall,” he said in a statement.
“She is currently having surgery at 6pm on Sunday to take the pressure off her brain.
“This is a very serious situation and we should all pray for his recovery.
“Leah is the most beautiful young lady I’ve met racing so we must pray for her recovery.”
The horse racing world is praying for Leah Kilner
The remaining six races of the meet were postponed after Kilner fell, leaving spectators stunned.
Kilner’s father Greg, an instructor at Grafton, was reportedly at the track while he was undergoing treatment.
Jockey Ryan Wiggins tweeted on Monday: “Leah was placed in a coma following surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain.
“Leah is also being evaluated for spinal injuries. The Jockeys Association has offered her father’s support. Our thoughts are with Lea.”
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Mane Lodge wrote on Twitter: “It’s been a tough day, hard to find the right words. Ultimately, we hope the racing family’s collective positive thoughts give Leah Kilner the strength she needs at this time and hope it’s her family.” And gifting it to friends. It’s a consolation that we all stand behind them.”
Kilner has won 204 races since he began his career in 2017.
He contested the last two races on Sunday in Grafton.
Stella Turner was euthanized shortly after the incident.
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