WAGGA trackwork rider Russell Steiner remains in intensive care in Sydney as he recovers from a freak accident.
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Steiner is in Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after he fell from a horse at Trevor Sutherland’s stable on Friday morning.
Steiner has fractured and dislocated his C6 and C7 vertebra and underwent surgery over the weekend that lasted more than five hours.
He had a bone graft, and also a plate placed in his neck between the C6 and C7 vertebra as the disc was crushed.
Steiner’s wife Angelique explained that Russell still has limited movement in his limbs.
“He still is unable to move his left leg and there is no response to pressure or touch on that limb, he also is unable to use either hand but has sensation and slight movement in index finger of right hand,” she said.
“We are hoping to have him moved to Acute Spinal later in the week and to start rehab as soon as is possible.”
Steiner faces a long stint in hospital as recovery will be a long process.
His family thanked the racing and wider community for the well wishes.
“Please thank all who have contacted, inquired or sent thoughts to him, we feel very blessed to have such a strong industry and friends behind us,” Angelique said.
“This is going to be a long recovery process over many months.
“We’re hoping to eventually get to Canberra so we are closer to home although this shall not happen in the near future.”
Steiner has been involved in racing for a long time.
He has been a trackwork rider for Sutherland for many years and has also been a barrier attendant at Wagga and several other Southern District clubs.
He is the son of Wagga trainer Ron Steiner.
Angelique added that if people wish to contact either of them they can do so through my inbox on Facebook or directly to me at toddylodge@gmail.com.
