Apprentice jockeys make 'steady progress' as recovery from horror falls continue

Australian apprentice jockeys Elissa Meredith and Leah Kilner are continuing to take positive steps as they recover from the horror falls they were involved in this month.

Meredith, 27, fell at Gunnedah, New South Wales, and was placed into an induced coma in the intensive care unit at John Hunter Hospital.

A statement from Racing New South Wales said: "Elissa continues to make steady progress and got out of bed for the first time today.

"She walked across the room with assistance, taking her first steps since the fall on July 4."

Trainer Clint Lundholm has started a fundraising page for her, where donations can be made via this link.

Racing New South Wales has said it will match the total donations raised.

Meanwhile, Queensland-based apprentice Kilner is also out of an induced coma and continues to make positive progress.

The 24-year-old fell at Grafton, also in New South Wales, the day before Meredith’s fall and had to be airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where she received treatment for a possible brain injury.

"Leah continues to make steady progress and is getting lots of sleep," the latest update from Racing New South Wales said.

"She is leaving her hospital room more often and is enjoying wheelchair rides around the hospital. Doctors are hopeful she can move to the rehabilitation ward when she is well enough next week."

A fundraising page for Kilner has been set up by The Big Goodbye Syndicate, where donations can also be made through this link, with those donations also to be matched by Racing New South Wales.