Apprentice jockey Tom Prebble left with major spinal injury after Warrnambool fall

Apprentice jockey Tom Prebble has undergone major spinal surgery and remains in intensive care after sustaining a serious spinal cord injury in a race fall at Warrnambool last week, his family confirmed Wednesday.

Prebble, 23, was aboard Pulveriser when the horse appeared to clip heels about 700 metres from the finish line. He was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital and later transferred to the Austin Hospital, where surgeons stabilised a fracture at the T5 vertebra. Medical staff say he currently has no feeling or movement from the bottom of his rib cage downward and will spend several weeks in the spinal care ward as clinicians monitor his neurological recovery.

Doctors told Prebble and his family that the next days and weeks will be a "waiting game" to determine the extent of any functional improvement. "The message is very clear, to remain fully optimistic regarding improvement but also be realistic and that there are a full range of possible outcomes from this injury," Prebble said in a statement shared with media. He will wear a neck brace for at least three months.

In addition to the spinal fracture, Prebble suffered rib fractures, a minor lung-related issue described by clinicians as likely to heal quickly, and some dental damage. He has thanked family, friends and the racing community for their support and singled out his parents, Brett and Maree, and his sister for their help during the first week following the accident.

Prebble, apprenticed to trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne at the time of the fall, was a rising rider in Victoria and recorded a treble at Flemington earlier this year. He is the son of Brett Prebble, who has more than 1,200 career winners and famously rode Green Moon to victory in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

Members of the racing community publicly extended support. Dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra said on behalf of fellow riders, "We are all thinking of him. It hurts us all and times like this the racing industry really gets around them." Blake Spriggs, a jockey who retired after a racing fall, messaged Prebble offering encouragement and personal perspective on long-term recovery.

Racing Victoria stewards have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the fall at Warrnambool. Officials have not released findings and cautioned that such inquiries can take time as they gather witness statements, stewards' reports and any available video footage.

Prebble's medical team has emphasised the uncertainty that follows spinal cord injury. While some patients experience gradual neurological improvement over weeks to months, outcomes vary with the level and completeness of the injury. Hospital clinicians said they will focus on stabilisation, preventing complications and early rehabilitation planning as the patient’s condition evolves.

The racing industry has a history of mobilising support after on-track injuries, providing financial, medical and counselling assistance to affected riders and families. Prebble’s trainers, family and peers have called for privacy as he remains under intensive care and begins the early phase of recovery and rehabilitation.