IRISH JOCKEY JT McNamara fractured two vertebrae in his neck in yesterday’s horror fall at Cheltenham, the Injured Jockeys’ Fund has confirmed.
McNamara, who was placed in an induced coma and airlifted from the course, is in Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, where he is currently undergoing surgery.
The injury is believed to be to McNamara’s C3 and C4 vertebrae. His wife Caroline is with him in hospital today.
McNamara was seriously injured when Galaxy Rock, his mount in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, crashed out at the first fence. Following lengthy medical attention on the course, McNamara was transferred to the regional spine unit.
In a short statement, Dr Adrian McGoldrick, the senior medical officer with the Irish Turf Club, said that there will be no further updates on the 37-year-old’s condition until tomorrow at the earliest.