Expert medical professionals treating Tom are not able to say what his outcome will be.

Tom Prebble has issued a statement regarding his condition after he was involved in an extremely dangerous fall at Warrnambool last week.

The 23-year-old was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital Emergency Department where he underwent major surgery on his spine.

The fall has resulted in extensive injuries to Prebble’s upper body and he currently cannot move or feel anything below his rib cage.

See Prebble's full statement below:

“On Monday afternoon I was transferred from The Alfred Hospital ICU over to the ICU at the Austin Hospital. To begin, I want to express my thanks to the surgeons, all ICU doctors and nurses and everyone at The Alfred who looked after me. I’ve been made aware of their incredible care, concern and support while I was there and I’m forever grateful.

“At some stage today, all being well, I hope to move from the Austin’s ICU into the spinal care ward. I’m told it’s likely I’ll stay there for the next few weeks before hopefully being able to move to a rehabilitation facility where I can start months of work.

“I know there’s been a mountain of concern and care about where I’m at and I’m very appreciative of that. I’m happy to make it as clear as I can where things have landed one week in.

“My key injury is to my spinal cord. AT THE MOMENT, I’ve got nothing happening from the bottom of my rib cage down through my body… currently no feeling or movement.

“My doctors say it’s now a waiting game over the coming weeks and months to see where things land. The message is very clear: to remain fully optimistic re improvement but also be realistic and that there are a full range of possible outcomes from this injury.

“So, to the question we all want an answer to: What about my long-term recovery of feeling, movement and mobility? The answer is at this time no one actually knows where things will land.

“My other injuries are a fracture to my spine at T5 that required surgery to stabilise it, a fracture to my neck that did not need surgery but will require a neck brace for maybe three months, some rib fractures and minor lung related issues which will heal quickly, and some damage to my teeth.

“I hope how I’ve explained it is clear and puts everyone in the picture. From here on, I’m happy to provide updates as my situation changes, but that’s where I’m at today.

“Lastly, I’m blessed to have two of the best parents and sister anyone could wish for and they’ve got me through this first week. I’m so grateful to them for their love and support. That thanks goes out to everyone who has expressed their best wishes and concerns for me. It means the world to know so many people are behind me in my recovery and I know it will be a big help to me during the tough times in the weeks and months ahead.”

Brett Prebble and Maree Payne, the parents of Tom Prebble also issued a statement.

“First, on Tom’s behalf, we want to express our appreciation to the Racing Victoria Raceday Medical Team who attended Tom within seconds of the fall. We also want to thank the Ambulance Victoria crews who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident.

“We are indebted to the air transportation wing of Ambulance Victoria, who were responsible for transporting Tom from Warrnambool Racecourse to The Alfred Hospital with such professionalism, care and compassion.

“We want to thank The Alfred Hospital Emergency Department, every person in the surgical team and the incredible people in the Intensive Care Unit where Tom remains today. Words cannot possibly express Tom’s and our appreciation for your kindness, care, professionalism and support.

“The fall has resulted in Tom dealing with extensive injuries. His recovery and rehabilitation will extend over a very long time.

“Tom had major surgery to his spine on Tuesday night after trauma to T5 was identified. The surgery to stabilise his spine was successful and his doctors now advise he is on the road to recovery while the full extent of his injuries remains unclear.

“While we would like to provide more information to everyone at this time, the fact is the expert medical professionals treating Tom are not able to say what his outcome will be.”