The family of injured jockey Kristy Bennett have shared a positive update, revealing the Queensland rider has woken up after suffering critical injuries in a fall at the Gold Coast trials earlier this month.

Bennett sustained a traumatic brain injury in the accident and has remained in intensive care since the incident.

Her sister Bella provided an encouraging update via Facebook on Monday, outlining the first significant signs of progress in her recovery.

“Big news: She’s awake. Her eyes have been open most of today for the first time since the accident,” Bella posted.

“We are seeing: We’re observing her reacting to discomfort by pulling at her feeding tube and neck brace. While she hasn’t yet followed commands, she appears agitated when we stop her. It’s wonderful that she’s responding to her body.

“Additionally, she reaches for her dog Gus’s picture.”

While the update has provided hope for family and friends, Bella acknowledged that Bennett faces a long and challenging rehabilitation journey.

“Medical: She has a severe TBI. Doctors say the next 18 months of rehab will show us where her baseline is. What this means is she will have severe disabilities; we are unsure of the extent at this time.

“She also has two spinal fractures and a torn ligament in her neck, but the team is confident she’ll walk again with lots of physio.

“She currently has a tracheostomy. We are confident that it can be taken out next week as she is breathing and coughing on her own.”

Bella said the immediate focus remains on gradual recovery and rehabilitation.

“What’s next: Day by day. Rest, neuro rehab, and then physio.”

Bennett had recently relocated from Western Australia to Queensland, where she was riding trackwork for leading trainer Tony Gollan.

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