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Graham Lee Thanks Racing Community For Their Support Three Months After Spinal Injury

A statement thanking the racing community for their support was released by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) on behalf of injured jockey Graham Lee on Saturday.

Injured in a severe fall at Newcastle three months ago, the Group 1-winning jockey is currently located at the Spinal Unit of the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough. Also a Grand National winner, Lee is planning to modify his house in order to move home in the next few months. A JustGiving page was set up for Lee shortly after his accident and it has raised over £190,000 to date.

Lee's statement, released via the IJF, read as follows: “It's three months now since my accident and I thought it was appropriate for me to say something publicly for the first time.

“Frankly, I've been overwhelmed by the unbelievable support and good wishes sent by everyone and I'd like to thank you all so much on behalf of myself, my wife Becky and our children, Amy and Robbie.

“It feels like I'm in a bit of a bubble here at the James Cook Spinal Unit but the girls share with me all the messages that they are receiving and every single one is appreciated, as is the support of my great friends who continue to visit me so regularly and keep my spirits up.

“I never really considered that I had achieved that much as a jockey and it seems crazy that so many people are thinking of us all. I can't deny it has been–and continues to be–hard for us all, but these messages help us all so much.

“I would also like to thank the team of nurses here who are just unbelievable in the around the clock care and support they offer us all.

“As most of you know, the injuries I have suffered are life-changing and there is a long road ahead. But we have just received planning permission so that work can start to adapt our home in the hope that I will be able to leave hospital at some stage in the next few months.

“Thank you again. I am truly humbled and grateful.”

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Racing Authorities Initiate Full Review into Keagan Kirkby Death

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) have launched a full review of the death of Keagan Kirkby Sunday. A member of the Paul Nicholls team in Ditcheat, the 25-year-old was riding at a meeting at Charing in Kent when his horse ran through the wing of a fence in the final race of the day.

“The necessary steps in response to this tragic incident commenced immediately after the race on Sunday and have continued [Monday],” stated a joint-statement from the BHA and PPA. “The BHA are visiting the site and will work with the PPA, the racecourse and attending medical teams to ensure that the incident is fully reviewed. All of the relevant bodies will also assist the police and/or Environmental Health Officer with any enquiries they wish to make.”

The statement continued, “The medical facilities and teams at Charing racecourse on Sunday were fully compliant with the required standards and included two racecourse doctors and three fully equipped ambulances with paramedic crews.”

“The medical team attended Mr. Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall. Further support was provided by 999 road and air ambulances. Despite the immediate medical attention, the injuries were of such an extent that it was not possible to save Mr. Kirkby's life. It is important that, with any incident such as this, we do all that we can to understand what caused it, and whether there is anything we can learn from it.”

“There is a risk attached to racing which can never be entirely removed, but we are committed to ensure that we assess every incident and use any findings to help continually improve our safety record.”

“Our thoughts remain with Keagan Kirkby's family and his many friends and colleagues from within the racing industry and beyond. The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) are coordinating support for the Kirkby family, his places of work and any staff member or participant at the event.”

Tributes Pour In..

“Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan's family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat.”–-Sir Anthony McCoy

“Every now and then, things happen that make you regain perspective. A very sad day for racing. Love to those who lost a friend.”-Trainer Fergal O'Brien

“A terrible tragedy. Keagan loved his job and was an integral part of Team Ditcheat.”--Nicholls' stable jockey Harry Cobden

“A heartbreaking day, Keagan was as kind and enthusiastic a guy you could meet. We started at Paul's on the same day four and a half years ago and became great friends. I am and always will be proud to be your friend and will miss you greatly.”–Assistant trainer Charlie Davies

“Heartbroken is an understatement, to have you as a best friend has been the biggest privilege life has given to me. Such a kind soul and an absolute gentleman and to know that I won't be able to give you a hug and catch up with you anymore tears me up.”–Ditcheat team member Scott Sainsbury

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Injured Jockey Graham Lee Is Making Progress

Following a fall at Newcastle that landed Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee in intensive care, the reinsman is reported to be making “positive progress” by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) as of Friday.

Also a Group 1-winning rider on the Flat, Lee was unseated from Ben Macdui (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) during the start of a synthetic handicap last Friday. Currently, he has been diagnosed with an unstable cervical fracture which has damaged his spinal cord, and has also undergone two surgeries to stabilise the fractures and protect his spinal cord further.

The IJF said in a statement, “Graham has made positive progress in the last 24 hours and has been able to talk normally with his family for short periods when his ventilator is turned down.

“He has been reviewed by his spinal consultant and when a bed becomes available in the ITU at James Cook Hospital, Middlesborough, he will be transferred closer to home.

“Graham and his family want to thank everyone for their continued and overwhelming support.”

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BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington Issues Statement Following Tragic Week

Following a difficult week for racing which saw four pass away–including Jess Whalley, who collapsed and died on scene at Michael Owen's Manor House Stable Tuesday morning, BHA's Chief Executive Julie Harrington issued the following statement on Saturday:

“This has been a tragic week for all of us in the racing community.

“Jess Whalley was a shining example of what makes British racing so special. She dedicated herself to providing outstanding care to horses and it was while doing this that her life was suddenly and tragically cut short. On behalf of all of us at the BHA, I extend my sympathies to all who knew and loved Jess.

“Likewise we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mazar Allauddin following his death on Wednesday. A superb horseman who also exemplified the values of British racing, Mazar had quickly established himself as a key part of the Robert Cowell team and his loss will be keenly felt.

“Both of these incidents are unspeakably tragic and there are no words to adequately describe the grief of losing a friend, colleague and loved one in such circumstances. The BHA along with colleagues at Racing Welfare, NARS and the IJF, have been working to provide support for staff affected by what took place at each yard.

“We also mourn the recent passing of John Spearing, who died peacefully at the age of 82 and Dave Morris, who left us following a long illness, aged 74. Our thoughts are with John and Dave's families and friends at this sad time.”

Jockeys at all British tracks will wear black armbands this weekend in tribute to Jess, Mazar, John and Dave.

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