Leinster Cup-winning jockey Angela Johnston in ‘good spirits’ after fall at Geraldton

A jockey who suffered a fall at Geraldton Turf Club on Melbourne Cup day was due to remain in hospital for a second night for observation, but was in good spirits.

Racing and Wagering WA said in a statement Wednesday that it had been in touch with Angela Johnston, who fell from What Planet You On after the finishing post in race three.

“Racing and Wagering WA has been in touch with Angela this morning and she is in good spirits,” it said.

“Angela will remain in hospital for observation for another night as a precaution.”

The ride on the six-year-old mare, trained by prominent Walkaway local Graeme Hammarquist, had been Ms Johnston’s first on the day.

Ms Johnston, thought to be from Bunbury, won the Leinster Cup in October as part of a treble on the day, placing in five races.

She also has recent wins in Toodyay, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Kalgoorlie.

A St John Ambulance spokesperson said Tuesday a woman in her 20s has been taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital in a stable condition.

It is understood she didn’t suffer any major injuries from the fall.

Tuesday’s incident follows a sickening accident at the Kalgoorlie races on Saturday, where apprentice jockey Hannah Fitzgerald was flown to Royal Perth Hospital with bleeding on the brain after she hit the ground hard in race six.

She was left unconscious and subsequently placed in an induced coma in Perth, but has since shown “positive signs” of recovery.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia chief executive Ian Edwards said on Monday that the organisation was offering support to Fitzgerald’s family and to fellow jockeys who rushed to her aid.