Jockey Michelle Payne was set to make her debut at Royal Ascot next month, but the first female winner of the Melbourne Cup is in a “serious but stable condition” after suffering abdomen injuries in a fall.
The Australian is expected to remain in hospital for “at least a week” after falling from her mount Dutch Courage in a race at Mildura Monday.
The 30-year-old was reported to have experienced “acute pain” after the fall. She later tweeted a picture of her injuries, saying she needed pancreas and liver scans.
Payne made history in November by winning the Melbourne Cup on 100-1 outsider Prince Of Penzance.
Victorian Jockeys’ Association chief executive Des O’Keefe said: “Surgery has been successful and Michelle will be remaining in hospital for at least a week, perhaps more. She’s in a serious but stable condition.”
He added: “On behalf of her family, they’ve asked me to express their thanks to everyone for their good wishes and concerns and we just hope she’s on the way to recovery in the great hands of the doctors here at the Alfred.”
She was earmarked for rides for trainer and fellow Australian Jane Chapple-Hyam at the prestigious Royal meeting at Ascot — Solar Deity in the Royal Hunt Cup and The Twisler in the Gold Cup on Ladies’ Day.
Payne was also due to ride in Sweden before returning to Ascot for the Shergar Cup in August.