Scott Jones recovering after Lismore blast

The prognosis is good for injured Lismore Turf Club manager Scott Jones as he continues treatment after an explosion at the racecourse, says the deputy chairman of the club.

Jones suffered burns to 45 per cent of his body in a gas explosion on Thursday morning at the Lismore racecourse and is in Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Deputy chairman of Lismore Turf Club Michael Cleaver said on Tuesday that Jones was onto his fourth series of operations, to graft skin back on to his arms and fingers.

He said doctors were pleased with Jones’ progress and the grafts had been going well.

“I’m told the facial swelling has gone down. He’s almost looking like the old Scott again,” he told Sky Sports Radio.

“The reports are as good as we can hope for.”

Jones is expected to remain in hospital for at least eight weeks and doctors are crediting his recovery to his quick-thinking after the accident, when he staggered 100 yards to the jockeys room to get into a shower.

Cleaver said Jones was woken up from a coma in between surgeries and was able to see his family and friends.

“All he wanted to do was talk horses,” he said.

Close to $23,000 has been raised on GoFundMe for Jones’ recovery, with a goal of $30,000.

The investigation into the gas explosion is ongoing and Lismore Turf Club is expected to reopen within a fortnight.