Irish jockey 'stable' after neck injury
A leading amateur Irish jockey who suffered a serious neck injury at Cheltenham races is in a “stable condition” today following surgery.
JT McNamara was injured in a first fence fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup on Thursday and was airlifted to hospital after being treated by the on-course medics.
The 37-year-old was conscious following the fall but was put into an induced coma before his transfer to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.
He underwent surgery on his fractured C3 and C4 vertebrae yesterday.
Dr Adrian McGoldrick, Irish Turf Club senior medical officer and Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund, have jointly issued a statement on behalf of the McNamara Family.
It read: “We can report that following lengthy surgery yesterday JT McNamara is in a stable condition.
“He remains in an induced coma at Frenchay hospital, Bristol.
“No further updates will be released until Tuesday, March 19 and the family politely request that the media do not contact Frenchay hospital direct.
“They would also like to thank everyone for their kind support and best wishes for JT.”
