Jockey Walker is now 'stable'

Top jockey Michael Walker has made some improvement since he suffered serious head injuries when he fell more than 10m into a gorge while pig hunting last week.

The 24-year-old has been in intensive care since the accident and has been drifting in and out of consciousness over the past few days.

An Auckland City Hospital staff member said Walker was now stable. Family members have also reported him acknowledging their presence in recent days.

His partner Candace and son Case have been at his bedside.

Walker's injuries have put an end to his goal for this year to be the first New Zealand jockey to ride 200 winners in a season.