Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) trainee apprentice Ivy Lam remains in an induced coma after a nasty fall in Australia on Monday, but there is optimism she will avoid surgery and make a full recovery.

Lam was airlifted to Royal Adelaide Hospital with head injuries after falling from her mount, Jacobs Gate, when the horse suffered a heart attack mid-race at South Australia’s Gawler racecourse.

Racing South Australia chief executive Vaughn Lynch fronted media on Tuesday with an encouraging update on Lam’s condition.

“Ivy’s condition is still serious,” Lynch said.

“She was airlifted to hospital from the Gawler Racecourse yesterday. The horse had a medical episode and fell, Ivy came over the front of the horse, which is the worst way to fall. It was a very distressing incident for everyone on course.

“The latest news we have is that Ivy has suffered some bleeding on the brain and some fractured vertebrae, but it looks like she will avoid surgery at this stage and we’re hopeful for a full recovery. The early signs are positive.”

Lam’s mother and HKJC head of racing talent training and headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, Amy Chan Lim-chee, travelled to Australia to be with the 23-year-old.

One of two Hong Kong apprentices currently riding in Adelaide, Lam is indentured to Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle and has ridden 16 winners since beginning her career in Australia in January.

“Ivy’s an integral part of our stable and our day-to-day operations and it was a pretty hollow feeling this morning,” Moyle said.

“She’s made my stable a lot happier stable to be around. She’s always got a smile on her face, she absolutely adores the horses and she rides our horses really well as well.

“There were a few nervous hours there yesterday but it’s relieving that at this stage, the news is positive for Ivy.”