The granddaughter of a Melbourne Cup-winning trainer is fighting for life in an induced coma after a race fall in New Zealand on Sunday.
Young jockey Bailey Rogerson, whose famous grandfather Graeme Rogerson trained 2007 Melbourne Cup champion Efficient, remains in Waikato Hospital’s intensive care unit after coming off Mandolo in Race 6 at the Arawa Parking meeting at the weekend.
Doctors made the decision to induce the 24-year-old over fears of a possible brain bleed after she suffered a fractured skull in the frightening incident, with additional bone breaks are yet to be ruled out.
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Graeme Rogerson, who is a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, told the New Zealand Herald that Bailey’s mum Michelle Northcott — a former jockey herself — “hasn’t left her side since it happened”.
“She is in an induced coma but they are going to try to bring her out of that today,” Rogerson said on Monday.
“She has a fracture in her skull and there might also be a broken bone in her neck region but they haven’t been able to to X-ray her for that yet.
“But she has movement in her limbs so that is good news.
“We will know more today when she is brought out of the coma and obviously we are all very worried. But she is very tough.
“She rides plenty of horses that often can’t win because she accepts rides other people don’t want, she just loves riding.”
The promising young jockey was riding for her mother when Mandolo clipped the heels of In A Pickle at the 400-metre mark and she was unseated.
French hoop Corentin Berge, who was aboard In A Pickle, has been suspended by stewards for four weeks for allowing his mount to dangerously move out and eventually check Rogerson’s horse.
“We have had so many well wishers and we hope to have an update for them in the next 24 hours,” Graeme added.
Earlier in the day, Bailey rode her 58th career winner when Burnished saluted in the Waitomo Fuels 1400m.
As well as the iconic Melbourne Cup, Graeme Rogerson’s trophy cabinet includes in 2006 Victoria Derby, 2009 Turnbull Stakes, 2004 Cox Plate, and the 1991 Sydney Cup and Brisbane Cup, as well as dozens of Group 1 wins in New Zealand.
Since 2008, he has also competed as a trainer in harness racing.
