CHELTENHAM JOCKEY LAUREN KEEN-HAWKINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING FALL
The 22-year-old was unseated from her horse at Worcester
Amateur jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins, known for her triumph at Cheltenham, is in intensive care after a severe fall during a race at Worcester. The 22-year-old was unseated from her horse, Faerie Cutlass, at the third last fence, resulting in a heavy fall. Trainer Kim Bailey described the incident as "horrific" as racecourse staff rushed to her aid.
Keen-Hawkins, who famously won at Cheltenham aboard Dandy Dan during the 2022 hunter chase event, was airlifted from the track on Sunday and is now receiving treatment for a serious head injury at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Trainer Kim Bailey expressed his shock in his blog, writing:
"What was a great day at Lord's with Archie and his mates was ruined by the horrific fall that Faerie Cutlass had at Worcester. Lauren Hawkins, who was riding FC, was knocked out and did not look in a good way. She was taken to Birmingham Hospital and was last night in ICU... We are all thinking of her and her family."
The young jockey's victory at Cheltenham marked her debut under rules, riding Dandy Dan, a horse trained by Bailey after a stint with James Bourne. To date, Keen-Hawkins has had 11 career rides and was making her third appearance of the year at Worcester.
A spokesperson for the Injured Jockeys Fund provided an update:
"Lauren has suffered a serious head injury and is now in critical care. Her parents and partner are with her, and they kindly request privacy during this difficult time."
Screens were erected at the Worcester course, located by the River Severn, as Keen-Hawkins received medical attention following the fall. The Amateur Jockeys Association also released a statement, sending their thoughts to Keen-Hawkins and her family and expressing gratitude for the care provided by the Injured Jockeys Fund. Worcester Racecourse echoed these sentiments, tweeting, "From each and every one of us at Worcester, we are wishing Lauren a speedy and full recovery."
