Jockey Lauren Burke to be discharged after Wangaratta fall

Lauren Burke after winning the Gippsland Grain Store BM58 Handicap at Bairnsdale Racecourse on April 15, 2024 in Bairnsdale, Australia. (Ross Holburt/Racing Photos)

Apprentice jockey Lauren Burke is expected to be discharged from the hospital today after sustaining a compressed fracture in her lower back in a fall at Wangaratta.

The 22-year-old was aboard Bella Nights, trained by Dylan Dunn, during the ninth race when her mount clipped heels and fell in the straight. The Victorian Jockeys’ Association confirmed the injury, stating, “Scans confirm Lauren Burke has a compressed fracture in her lower back and concussion. Should be discharged today.”

Bella Nights emerged unscathed and was quickly secured by a clerk of the course. The race meeting was abandoned due to the delayed arrival of the replacement ambulance.

Earlier in the day, Burke celebrated her 21st career win on Toropeak, trained by Shane Nichols.