By MIKE DILLON
Ken Browne remained in a serious but stable condition on life support in Waikato Hospital last night.
The remarkable 67-year-old horseman has two broken vertebrae at the top of his neck as a result of crashing from a young horse at his Cambridge property on Tuesday morning.
Browne's family had been told on Tuesday night the injuries could be life-threatening.
Yesterday Browne appeared marginally improved, apparently aware of his surroundings, but unable to respond.
"Mrs (Ann) Browne took a radio to Ken so he could listen in to the stable's five horses race at Tauranga this afternoon," said family friend Belinda Holmes.
Messages of support flooded in from around the world yesterday.
"I've fielded calls from England, America and Australia and Mrs Browne is so grateful for all that support," said Holmes. "People have been marvellous in their response."
Ken Browne rode his first winner in July 1952, and was regarded as a sporting icon for still being in the raceday saddle at his age.
He was almost certainly the world's oldest prominent rider in professional racing.
The Brownes trained the winner of New Zealand's greatest jumping race, the Great Northern Steeplechase - these days the Mercedes Great Northern - seven times. Browne rode three of them to victory.
Browne was made an MBE for his services to racing.
Racing: Browne serious but stable
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