Injured Jockeys Fund | Horse Racing Free Tips

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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Keagan Kirkby Dies After Fall At Charing Point-To-Point in Kent

Trainer Paul Nicholls has led the tributes to Keagan Kirkby, the amateur rider who tragically died after a fall at Charing point-to-point on Sunday.

In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund, the 14-time Champion National Hunt trainer, with whom Kirkby was based, described Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads.”

Nicholls said, “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly, Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at Team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.”

According to the IFJ, the incident occurred on the second circuit of the final race, when the rider's mount ran out through the wing of a fence. Despite immediate attention by the on-course medical team as well as additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, Kirkby could not be saved.

Kirkby joined Nicholls's operation in 2019 and had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was also shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category for 2024.

“We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential,” said British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chief Executive Julie Harrington.

“The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category. The nomination spoke of Keagan's qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard. We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan's family and the Paul Nicholls yard.”

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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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Lee’s Condition ‘Very Serious’ Following Race Fall

Jockey Graham Lee, who was injured in a fall on leaving the stalls in a race at Newcastle on Friday evening, has been diagnosed with an unstable cervical fracture and remains in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in the city.

The 47-year-old has damage to his spinal cord and other complications. His condition has been described as “very serious.”

On Monday, his former weighing-room colleague Sir Anthony McCoy and Jack Berry, respectively president and vice-president of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), released a joint-statement which read, “Like everyone in racing, we at the Injured Jockeys Fund are devastated at the news of the injuries that Graham Lee sustained from his horrific fall at Newcastle on Friday. All our thoughts are with Graham, his wife Becky, and their family.

“As bad as Graham's injuries are, please do rest assured that our team at the IJF will look after his needs to assist him in his recovery and predicament for as long as it takes. Whatever help his family needs, we will be there to there to provide it.”

A former jump jockey with more than 1,000 wins to his name, including the 2004 Grand National aboard Amberleigh House (Ire), the Irish-born, British-based Lee turned his attention to the Flat in 2012. His major wins in this sphere include the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Trip To Paris (Ire) and the Nunthorpe S. with Alpha Delphini (GB).

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, added her support to Lee. She said, “We are shocked to hear the distressing news regarding the injuries suffered by Graham Lee. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and the whole sport is praying for one of its finest ambassadors. We are doing everything we can to support Graham and his family, and we ask that everyone respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

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