Promising signs for jockey Michael Hackett

Injured jockey Michael Hackett is showing positive signs after being in an induced coma following a race fall.

Hackett was one of three riders to fall at the Tomingley Cup picnic race meeting in central western NSW on Saturday.

He was transported to Sydney’s Liverpool Hospital where he was in an induced coma with his sedation being decreased during this week.

Racing NSW’s Dr David Duckworth reported on Thursday Hackett was showing improvement.

“Michael Hackett had his drain and breathing tube removed today,” he said.

“He is a lot more awake and more responsive to everyone around him. These are very promising signs.”

Duckworth operated on Michael Gray on Wednesday to mend his clavicle while Ricky Blewitt has fractures that will require rest but not surgery.