The racing industry continues to throw its arm around injured jockey Tom Prebble as a GoFundMe launched to help his recovery edges closer to its goal.
Racing Victoria on Saturday afternoon donated $75,000 to the cause with the target set at $230,000.
Trainer Andrew Bobbin donated $10,000 as did Des O’Keefe, while leading jockeys and trainers including Blake Shinn, Tatum Bull, Liam Riordan, Ben Melham, Ethan Brown, Declan Bates, David Eustace and Calvin McEvoy also made significant donations.
Almost two months on from the spinal cord injury he suffered when falling from his horse at Warrnambool, Prebble has been diagnosed by doctors at The Alfred Hospital with a ‘complete ASIA A paraplegia at T4 level’.
Essentially, this means that he has no sensory or motor function below the T4 spinal cord level, resulting in complete paralysis from the chest down.
However, he has retained arm function and in a sign of his determination to adjust to his new circumstances, Prebble’s first wish – with the assistance of the GoFundMe donations – is to acquire a road-based handcycle.
Prebble, who rode a career total of 123 winners – including one in Stakes grade at Flemington, was widely considered one of the rising stars of the Victorian jockey ranks.
“Tom’s positive approach since receiving his devastating diagnosis has been nothing short of inspirational,” Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said.
“His life-changing injuries have deeply affected many in the industry including our team running the Apprentice Jockey Training Program, who mentored Tom during his formative years as an apprentice jockey.
“We have seen in the past that the racing industry rallies round one of its own in times of need, and so we would encourage anyone who has met Tom or is even aware of his ordeal to make a donation, however small.
“He is an absolute credit to his parents, Brett and Maree, who have been a real tower of strength. We wish the entire family all the very best as they adjust to Tom’s challenging new circumstances, which I have no doubt he will face with his customary courage and dignity.”