Stephens 'comfortable' after Uttoxeter fall
04/02/2006 - 18:47:21Racing at Uttoxeter was cut short this afternoon after jockey Robert Stephens was injured following a fall in the fourth race on the card.
Officials were forced to abandon the remainder of the meeting after the 3lb claimer’s mount Titian Flame came down at the sixth flight when leading in the Weatherbys Insurance Handicap Hurdle.
The 21-year-old suffered facial injuries and was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where his condition was described as “comfortable” in a statement released by the racecourse.
The Jockey Club requires a minimum of two doctors to be at a racecourse for racing to take place and with two doctors accompanying the injured rider during his ambulance journey to hospital, only one was left at the racecourse, forcing the abandonment of the remainder of the card.
Fellow rider Andrew Thornton was at the course and he told PA Sport this evening: “I have spoken to Paddy Brennan, who has seen Robert in hospital, and he said his head is OK. His shoulder is very sore and he is having more X-rays done.
“The main thing is the head is alright and the body will mend. We are all relieved and delighted to hear the news – it is a worrying thing when they call racing off like that.”
Paul Maylard-Mason, general manager at Uttoxeter, said: “Due to the nature of Robert’s injuries, the senior racecourse doctor decided that two doctors should travel to the hospital. The decision was made in the very best interests of the jockey, with his well-being paramount.”
Jockey Club public relations director Paul Struthers said this evening: “Although Robert’s injuries are serious, his condition does not seem to be as bad as had at first been feared.
“The Jockey Club’s senior medical advisor Dr Michael Turner has been in regular contact with the racecourse doctors and is being kept up to date with all developments.”
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