Jockey Laura Lafferty says she’s lucky to escape shocking Swan Hill fall without major injuries

Jockey Laura Lafferty isn’t sure when she’ll be back riding but still counts herself lucky to have escaped last Friday’s horror fall at Swan Hill without major damage.

Most feared Lafferty had suffered serious injuries when thrown to the ground after her mount Ronniejay collapsed and went through the running rail.

Sadly, the Richard Laming-trained Ronniejay died after collapsing. An autopsy on the horse will determine the cause of his death.

But the industry was relieved to learn Lafferty had no fractures with concussion, shoulder and knee pain her main injuries.

She was released from a Swan Hill hospital on Saturday afternoon but was readmitted that night to ease her shoulder pain.

Lafferty made it back to Melbourne early on Monday before consulting Racing Victoria’s medical boss Dr Gary Zimmerman. She said Zimmerman was stunned with her condition after the fall.

Jockey Laura Lafferty booting home a winner on her home track at Warrnambool. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“Gary is just in shock really that I didn’t have a lot more damage and have come out of it as I have,” Lafferty said.

“I count myself extremely lucky.

“I had an MRI this morning and Gary just had a quick look at them but he’s more worried about the head injury at this point.”

Lafferty said she expected to be out of the saddle for at least a month. But she said she was keen to start her rehabilitation as soon as possible.

“It will be at least a minimum of a month of rest and recovery,” Lafferty said. “Hopefully in the next few days we’ll know more.

“I’m keen to get into rehab as quick as possible because we have a great physio at Racing Victoria.

“I might even go to see the sun for a little bit up in Noosa when all the appointments are done.”

Originally published as‘Lucky’ Laura Lafferty starts recovery

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