Amateur jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins, who suffered a head injury in a fall at Worcester on Sunday, has been moved out of intensive care.
Keen-Hawkins, a valued member of Kim Bailey’s team, was riding Faerie Cutlass for the Andoversford trainer when they fell three flights from the finish in the final handicap hurdle of the day.
The 22-year-old was initially taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and admitted to critical care. However, she has now been transferred to a general ward.
On Thursday, Bailey shared an update on his stable's website, noting that assistant Mat Nicholls had visited Keen-Hawkins in the hospital.
Bailey wrote: "Mat visited Lauren Hawkins in Birmingham yesterday and was encouraged by her condition. Although she is not fully conscious yet, she appears to recognize voices and has spoken a few words."
He continued: "Lauren is showing signs of improvement, though she still has a long road ahead. The progress is promising."
Bailey also expressed his gratitude, saying: "The support from the Injured Jockeys Fund and their team has been exceptional. Their help has been invaluable and deeply appreciated by Lauren’s family."
Earlier this year, Keen-Hawkins rode Faerie Cutlass to a second-place finish at Worcester in July and had a notable win on Dandy Dan at Cheltenham’s hunter chase night in April 2022.