Top apprentice jockey Jake Noonan was the victim of a terrible fall in the last race of the day at Flemington yesterday.
The 18-year-old was thrown from his mount, Lee Freedman’s Safe, onto his head in the final stages of the Veolia Environmental Services Handicap (1200m).
Noonan, who laid motionless on the turf for over five minutes, regained consciousness as he was being put into the course ambulance.
Victoria Jockey’s Association chief executive Des O’Keefe commented on Noonan’s condition later in the day.
“He knew who he was when he regained consciousness,” O’Keeffe said.
“Jake has movement of his arms and legs so the outcome is looking good.”
The jockey will be hoping to recover in time to take part in a six week program that will see him ride for premier UK trainer Andrew Balding in England.
“I think it will be a great experience to ride for Andrew Balding and gain that experience,” Noonan said earlier in the day.
Earlier in the day Noonan had ridden Resuscitated to victory, giving him his 37th win of the season.
The jockey was suppose to ride in his second ever Group 1 race in The Goodwood at Morphettville today.