Laura Lafferty: Resilience, recovery, and the road ahead

Laura Lafferty’s career was on an upward trajectory before her fall in October 2024. In April 2021, she achieved a milestone, securing her first city win aboard Intrepidacious at Caulfield. After a string of near-misses, her breakthrough was the result of sheer persistence. “I was always positive and after every near-miss, I’d go home and think, ‘What can I do next time to get better?’” she said. Her belief in herself and her refusal to be discouraged by setbacks were qualities that would serve her well on that fateful day in Ballarat in October.

Lafferty was sent tumbling from the lead in a 1400m race aboard The Praised One, in a an accident that could have ended her career. She suffered two collapsed lungs, severe internal injuries, a broken foot, and multiple fractures.

Despite the gravity of the accident, Lafferty is deeply thankful for the quick response of the paramedics who saved her life. But she has never been one to back down. “It’s still pretty new, pretty raw,” she admitted soon after the fall. “My biggest challenge is definitely mentally coming to terms with not being able to even run, let alone work,” she shared. But she remains determined, finding solace in her routine. “I’m putting steps in place to be able to get through the next 12 months, just doing a course at RMIT, setting those goals, booking physio every week – it gets me through every week.”

Before her injury, Lafferty had already built a foundation of perseverance. Growing up in Warrnambool, horses were in her blood. Her father, Peter, and grandfather, Kevin, were respected trainers, and from a young age, Lafferty was immersed in the equine world. Her journey began with ponies and showjumping, where she honed her competitive spirit. But it was the transition to racing that truly ignited her passion.

After studying exercise science at Deakin University, Lafferty’s connection with horses deepened as she worked trackwork for local trainers. “I loved riding trackwork and working with horses,” she said. Her decision to apply for the apprentice jockey program was a game-changer. “I didn’t even tell my family I’d applied. Dad found out through a friend in racing and called me to say he thought it was a good decision.”

“You have to manage your time, your workload, and your weight, and keep learning.”

Joining the program meant moving to Melbourne at just 19, living alone, and navigating the demanding lifestyle of a jockey. It was a tough transition, but one that shaped her resilience. “You have to manage your time, your workload, and your weight, and keep learning,” she explained to the VRC last year. And that she did – through the challenges and the setbacks, including a fall at Swan Hill in 2021 that left her with injuries but not the determination to quit.

Lafferty has accumulated 124 wins and continues to sharpen her skills under the guidance of mentors like trainer Nick Ryan. “Nick told me, ‘You have to be tough mentally. Not everything will go your way, but you have to learn from it and try again the next day.’" It’s advice she’s taken to heart, applying it to her recovery journey just as much as to her racing career.

A standout moment came on 20 May 2023, when Lafferty won her first ride at Flemington on National Jockeys Trust Raceday. After 23 tries, she secured her maiden Flemington victory aboard topweight Jenny Jerome in the Living Legends Plate (1400m). But she didn’t stop there. She quickly made it a double, partnering the highly talented mare Sigh to victory in the Stableline Sprint (1100m). The success was a testament to her perseverance and growing confidence as a jockey.

"My goal in regards to horse riding would be to get back to show jumping in six months."

As Lafferty works her way back to full fitness, her focus is not only on her health but also on her future goals. “My goal in regards to horse riding would be to get back to show jumping in six months,” she said. Fitness has always been key to Lafferty’s success, and she’s kept active during her recovery. “Exercise puts me in a good place for racing,” she says. Whether it’s running, boxing, or even reading an autobiography to keep her mind engaged, Laura’s determination remains as strong as ever. Her ambitious spirit shines through as she targets a triathlon in the middle of next year. Racing, for now, has taken a backseat, but her love for the sport remains unwavering.

A recent moment of triumph – a victory by Exzello in the Jericho Consolation Cup, trained by her father Peter – reminded her of the connection she has with horses. “I love this horse so much,” she said. “He’s just such a wonderful horse and so easy to do anything with.” The win was not only a victory for the Lafferty family but also a reflection of Laura’s enduring love for the horses that have shaped her life. “It’s really special,” she said. The gelding’s victory in the race, where he led from start to finish, was an emotional win for the Lafferty family – one that reaffirmed her unbreakable bond with the sport.

Exzello’s victory was especially poignant for Laura. The horse, purchased for just $18,000, had long been a favourite of hers for his temperament and spirit, and now he was rewarding the Lafferty family with both a win and the chance to compete in the prestigious Jericho Cup next year. “I knew he’d try really hard, and for that reason, we were willing to take the bet on him adjusting to the country lifestyle, the beach and the paddocks – and it’s just worked out,” she said.

While her path back to racing may take time, one thing is certain – Lafferty’s spirit is unbreakable. Her perseverance, fuelled by a deep love for racing, will ensure that the next chapter in her journey is just as inspiring as the one before.