Lauren Keen-Hawkins: Jockey to be discharged from hospital ‘in the very near future’ after suffering serious head injury
YOUNG amateur jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins will be discharged from hospital “in the near future” following a serious head injury.
The 22-year-old fell face-first off her horse at the Worcester Racecourse in Birmingham on September 1.
Keen-Hawkins was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she spent the month in intensive care.
But after being moved to the Gloucester Royal Hospital, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Injured Jockeys Fund said: “Lauren continues to make steady progress with her rehabilitation.
“She is mobile with assistance, and although confused from time to time, her mental functioning is improving.
“Lauren’s family anticipate she will be discharged from hospital in the relatively near future to continue her recovery at home.
“And with Out-Patient Therapy from both the NHS and the Injured Jockeys Fund.”
She has now entered a stage termed Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA).
Keen-Hawkins came down while on 10-1 Faerie Cutlass at the third-last fence in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.
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The young jockey was knocked out by the fall, with screens put up around her as she was checked by staff.
Several ambulances, including an air ambulance, arrived at the racecourse to treat Keen-Hawkins.
At the time, a spokesperson for Worcester Racecourse said: “The thoughts of everyone at the Racecourse are with Lauren and her family at the moment.”
The youngster’s partner and parents have been at her bedside for the last month.
Kim Bailey’s horse Faerie Cutlass was reported to be unharmed after the incident.
Keen-Hawkins is a hugely promising young rider who has tasted success at Cheltenham, the home of jumps racing.
She won a hunters’ chase at the track’s prestigious April meeting in 2022, steering 13-2 Dandy Dan to victory.
Her so-far sole victory in 12 career runs, Keen-Hawkins has ridden mostly for former Grand National-winning handler Bailey.