David Harrison, still in intensive care following his fall at Sha Tin on Wednesday, is expected to undergo a neck operation today.
The jockey's wife Abby yesterday issued a statement from the Prince of Wales Hospital, which read: 'David has shown steady improvement during the last couple of days and will undergo a minor neck operation, which is a standard procedure for this type of injury. David is communicating freely and eating and resting as best as can be expected at this time. I would like to thank everyone once again for their support and concern.'
Harrison, 28, was understood to have shown more arm movement yesterday and Professor David Fang, the specialist on spinal injuries called in as a consultant, is reported to be encouraged by the jockey's progress.
Chief stipendiary steward John Schreck visited Harrison last night, while Jockey Club chairman Alan Li Fook-sum said the jockey was in good spirits when he saw him on Saturday. 'I was very happy to find him bright and alert and we were able to have a short talk,' Li said. 'He has the best medical help available and we all wish him a speedy and full recovery.'
Harrison's parents David and Joyce are also at his bedside, having cut short a holiday in Spain after hearing of their son's fall. They arrived in Hong Kong on Friday with their daughters Joanne and Sue.
Harrison was injured when he was thrown from My Chief shortly after the start of the 1,200-metre race which closed Wednesday's card. The jockey's mount, among the backmarkers at the time, is believed to have struck the heels of another runner, though the full sequence of events has still to be determined as the Jockey Club stewards have yet to hold an inquiry into the incident.
