Slow progress for injured Michael Hackett

Injured jockey Michael Hackett is continuing to take small steps on his road to recovery.

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

He was transferred to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition and placed in an induced coma with his sedation reduced last week.

Racing NSW said on Monday, Hackett was making slow progress.

“He was more awake on Sunday night opening his eyes for 5 minutes and he spoke a few words,” a statement from the governing body said.

“He has been a lot more sleepy today. It’s just a waiting game now for him to slowly wake up.”

Ricky Blewitt, who suffered fractures in the fall, was discharged from Westmead Hospital on Monday while Michael Gray is recovering after having surgery on a broken clavicle.