DECLAN Bates, the Wexford-born flat jockey who has ridden multiple Group 1 winners in Australia, is making a good recovery from a potentially serious barrier trial accident last Monday. The 37-year-old suffered pelvis and sacrum fractures but did not need surgery and says he hopes to resume race riding in 2026.

“A huge thank you to the racing industry for the incredible generosity and well wishes following my fall at Ballarat jumpouts,” Bates wrote on Thursday.

Tony and Lynn Ottobre, owners of Pride Of Jenni, the mare Bates rode to Group 1 glory, opened a fundraiser and contributed $30,000 to help support the jockey. A further $6,200 was raised at the time of writing.

“A very special thank you to Tony and Lynn for their unbelievable support,” Bates said. “We’re so grateful, and in the spirit of paying it forward, we’ll be donating to the Leila Rose Foundation, a cause very close to everyone’s hearts. It’s rest and recovery for now, but I’m already looking forward to getting back in the saddle in 2026.”