JT McNamara: Jockey Faces Surgery After Fall

Jockey JT McNamara is expected to undergo surgery after sustaining a serious neck injury in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 37-year-old was injured in a first-fence fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup on Thursday.

McNamara, one of the leading amateurs on the horse racing circuit for a number of years, was airlifted to hospital after being treated by the on-course medics.

He was reportedly conscious following the fall but was put in an induced coma before his transfer to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol from the Gloucestershire course.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, said there was no change in McNamara's condition overnight but he confirmed the rider has damaged two vertebrae.

"There has been no change overnight. He's still in the induced coma," said Dr McGoldrick.

"It is a fracture of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. He will probably be going for surgery ... but we will know more later in the day."

Champion jockey AP McCoy told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's a dangerous sport and it's a sight that you see that unfortunately crops up; we're very lucky we have excellent medical care. We just hope he's going to be OK."

Mr McNamara, real first names John Thomas, is one of Ireland's leading amateur jockeys. As well as four victories at the Cheltenham Festival, he has ridden 602 winners.

His horse Galaxy Rock was reported to be unhurt.

Meanwhile, racing pundit John McCririck has been discharged from hospital but will not be at Cheltenham for today's Gold Cup.

Mr McCririck complained of feeling unwell during the first day of the Festival on Tuesday and was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital by ambulance.

He was detained for further observation but has now been released.

"He's fine, he's resting but he won't be racing today," said a spokeswoman for Mr McCririck.

Another Irish jockey, Davy Russell, also spent a night in hospital after suffering a punctured lung, The Times said. He was kicked after falling from Un Beau Matin on Wednesday and had his lung drained on Thursday.

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the four-day race meeting, which is one of the highlights of the National Hunt season.

Gate receipts are estimated to reach £7m and bookmakers are anticipating a record-breaking year with industry turnover tipped to surpass the £600m barrier.