The family of a worker who was struck by lightning at the Northam Race Club say he is "fighting back" as he remains in an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital.
Track curating staff member Doug Fernihough, 57, was flown to Perth for treatment in the intensive care unit on Thursday and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Mr Fernihough's family, including his wife Pauline and their children, said in a statement on Friday that they were praying for him.
"He is a true fighter and while he is in an induced coma, he is giving it his best and fighting back," they said.
"As a consequence of being struck by lightning, he has suffered a heart attack and some internal injuries."'
The family said they were comforted by the outpouring of support from friends and family, and also thanked the first responders who gave Mr Fernihough the best chance of a full recovery.
Racing and Wagering WA chief executive Richard Burt said race meetings were usually suspended when the weather could be seen to be changing.
"I think this was just a freak outcome where the first sign of lightning literally had this sort of impact or injury on Doug ... I don't see any breakdown in process or procedure," he told reporters.
Mr Burt said there would be a review into the incident.
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