Female jockey, aged 23, 'airlifted to hospital' with 'critical injuries' after suffering horror race fall

Apprentice jockey, Ivy Lam was airlifted to hospital on Monday afternoon after she  suffered a horrific racing accident at the Gawler Racecourse in South Adelaide.

The 23-year-old jockey was riding Jacob's Gate in the 1500m Willow Grove Stud Handicap.

At around 800m into the race, her horse appeared to drop back through the field before Lam, who hails from Hong Kong, was subsequently dislodged.

Emergency services attended the Hong Kong Jockey Club trainee at the scene. 

According to Channel Nine, paramedics stated that the rider was 'being treated for critical head injuries' and was 'being airlifted to hospital'.

The incident occurred at approximately 4.45pm local time, with the race meeting subsequently being abandonned before the final race of the day.

In a statement issued online, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, stated that her horse had 'suffered a heart attack' during the race. 

The organisation added that Lam was 'sent to hospital where she is receiving immediate medical care.'

'The Club’s Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress, Apprentice Jockeys’ School Amy Chan is travelling to Australia to offer all necessary support to Lam and her family,' the statement added.

Speaking to Channel Nine on the incident, racing caller Terry McAuliffe said to Channel Nine: 'Our thoughts are with Ivy and we’re hoping for a good result there in Gawler.'