tom prebble fall

Tom Prebble’s Life-Changing Fall: A Young Jockey’s Journey Through Injury, Resilience, and Recovery

The world of horse racing is one of high stakes, adrenaline, and tradition—but it also carries an inherent risk that can change lives in an instant. For 23-year-old apprentice jockey Tom Prebble, that reality became devastatingly clear on September 9, 2025, during a routine race at Warrnambool Racecourse in Victoria. What began as another day at the track quickly turned into a life-altering event when Prebble suffered a catastrophic fall, leaving him with a severe spinal cord injury and a diagnosis of T4/T5 paraplegia.

This isn’t just a story about a tragic accident. It’s about courage, community, and the unyielding spirit of a young man determined to reclaim his life—one day at a time.

What Happened? The Verified Facts Behind Tom Prebble’s Fall

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, during the final race at Warrnambool’s midweek meeting, Tom Prebble was riding Pulveriser, trained by Andrew Bobbin, when the horse stumbled and threw him to the ground. According to verified reports from Racing.com, the fall occurred in the last race of the day, and Prebble was conscious when emergency crews arrived.

He was immediately airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, one of Australia’s leading trauma centres. The Victorian Jockeys' Association (VJA) confirmed the seriousness of the incident, stating that Prebble underwent major spinal surgery in the days following the fall.

In a personal update shared on racingvictoria.com.au, Prebble revealed that he was transferred from The Alfred’s ICU to the Austin Hospital’s ICU on Monday, September 15, marking a critical step in his transition toward long-term rehabilitation.

“On Monday afternoon I was transferred from The Alfred Hospital ICU over to the ICU at the Austin Hospital,” Prebble wrote. “This is where I will begin my spinal rehab journey.”

This update, shared directly by Prebble, is one of the few public confirmations of his condition and treatment, making it a cornerstone of verified information in this ongoing story.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Recovery and Support

The weeks following the fall have been marked by medical milestones, emotional revelations, and an outpouring of support from the racing community. Here’s what we know, based on verified news reports and official statements:

September 9, 2025

• Tom Prebble falls from Pulveriser at Warrnambool Racecourse.
• Airlifted to The Alfred Hospital; undergoes emergency spinal surgery.

September 13, 2025

• Prebble’s parents, Brett and Maree Prebble, release an emotional public statement via the VJA.

  “Our son Tom is a fighter. He’s facing the biggest challenge of his life, but he’s surrounded by love, strength, and the best medical care in the country.”

September 15, 2025

• Transferred to the Austin Hospital’s spinal rehabilitation unit, a specialist facility for spinal cord injuries.

October 2025 (approx.)

• Prebble appears on Channel 9 alongside his father, Brett—a legendary jockey who won the 2012 Melbourne Cup aboard Green Moon.
• In a heartfelt interview, Prebble reveals:

  “From here down, I can’t feel anything,” gesturing from his chest. “But I’m taking things day by day. I just want to get back to society.”

November 2, 2025

• James McDonald, fresh off his Cox Plate victory aboard Via Sistina, visits Prebble at the hospital.
• McDonald brings his trophy as a gesture of solidarity, calling Prebble “an inspiration to every jockey in Australia.”

These moments—especially the visit from McDonald—highlight the deep camaraderie within the racing industry. For a sport often scrutinised for its dangers, these acts of compassion underscore its human side.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Story Matters

Tom Prebble’s fall isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a microcosm of the risks faced by jockeys every time they step onto the track. Horse racing, particularly in Australia, is a high-risk profession where falls are common, and serious injuries are not rare.

The Hidden Cost of Racing

According to Fox Sports’ 2025 report, at least 13 horses have died during the Melbourne Cup since 2000, drawing intense public scrutiny. But the human cost—jockeys like Prebble—is often overlooked.

• The average fall rate for Australian jockeys is 1 in every 140 rides, according to Racing Australia.
• Spinal injuries, while less frequent, are among the most life-altering, often resulting in permanent disability.
• In the past decade, multiple jockeys have been paralysed or sustained traumatic brain injuries during races.

Prebble’s case has reignited debate about safety protocols, emergency response times, and mental health support for injured riders. As ABC News noted in its investigation into “How racing makes its deadliest moments disappear”, the industry has long been accused of downplaying risks and limiting public access to video replays of serious incidents.

“When a horse dies, the footage is often suppressed. When a jockey is injured, the story fades quickly,” the ABC report states. “But the physical and emotional toll remains.”

Tom Prebble’s public updates—rare in this context—have helped break the silence, forcing the industry to confront the human consequences of its sport.

The Prebble Legacy: A Family of Champions

Tom Prebble isn’t just any young jockey. He’s the son of Brett Prebble, one of Australia’s most decorated riders. Brett’s career includes 15 Group 1 wins, including the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, and Caulfield Cup.

Growing up in a family synonymous with racing, Tom followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a rising star in the apprentice ranks. Known for his work ethic, humility, and natural talent, he was tipped as a future champion.

But the Prebble name also comes with pressure and expectation. In interviews, Tom has spoken about the weight of legacy—and the fear of not living up to it. Now, his journey is no longer about winning races. It’s about redefining success.

“I don’t need to be back on a horse to be a winner,” he said in a recent interview. “I just want to live a full life.”

Immediate Effects: Industry, Community, and Regulation

Prebble’s fall has had ripple effects across the racing world:

1. Industry Response

• The Victorian Jockeys' Association has launched a support fund for injured riders, with donations pouring in from trainers, owners, and fellow jockeys.
• Racing Victoria is reviewing safety protocols for midweek meetings, particularly at regional tracks like Warrnambool.

2. Public Awareness

• Media coverage has shifted from celebrity wins to jockey welfare, with outlets like 2ST and ABC News highlighting the risks behind the glamour.
• Social media campaigns using #StandWithTom have gone viral, with fans sharing messages of support.

3. Mental Health Focus

• Experts warn that psychological recovery is as crucial as physical rehab. The Jockey Wellbeing Program has reported a 30% increase in mental health consultations since September.

4. Ethical Debate

• Animal rights groups, including PETA, have cited Prebble’s injury as evidence that horse racing is inherently dangerous—for both animals and humans.