Jockey Graham Lee has suffered “very serious” damage to his spinal cord after a fall at Newcastle on Friday, reports The Telegraph. The 47-year-old rider, winner of the 2004 Grand National on Amberleigh House, remains in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
The Injured Jockeys Fund released the following update on his condition over the weekend: “Jockey Graham Lee's MRI scan has shown that he has suffered an unstable cervical fracture causing damage to the spinal cord, as well as damage to blood vessels in the mid-cervical region.
“He remains in intensive care with respiratory support at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle, but it has been possible to reduce his sedation.
“This is a very serious injury and at this early time it is not possible to predict the extent of long-term recovery. Graham's family are very grateful for the many messages of support they have had.”
Lee was unseated from his mount Ben Macdui just after the starting gate opened. The jockey rode over 1,000 winners over jumps, and transferred his focus to flat racing in 2012. He has ridden two Group 1 winners on the flat: 2015 Ascot Gold Cup, and the 2018 Nunthorpe.
A message from our @IJF_official President @AP_McCoy and Vice-President, Jack Berry. pic.twitter.com/AvNsYHl2ag
— Injured Jockeys Fund (@IJF_official) November 13, 2023
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