Grand National winning jockey suffers spinal cord damage in horror fall

12 November 2023 , 20:37

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Jockey Graham Lee (Image: PA)

Grand National winning rider Graham Lee suffered an "unstable cervical fracture causing damage to his spinal cord" following a fall at Newcastle last Friday.

The update on his condition was released by the Injured Jockeys' Fund in a statement on Sunday night. The full statement said: "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 ITU 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 that they have had.” The 47-year-old was taken to hospital in Newcastle after he fell from his horse Ben Macdui in a race on Friday.

Irishman Lee, who rode Amberleigh House to victory in the 2004 Grand National, was unseated as the stalls opened. Lee, a successful Flat jockey, spent a significant spell of his career riding over jumps, which included winning Aintree's biggest race.

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Amberleigh House was trained by the late Ginger McCain, who saddled Red Rum for a historic third triumph in 1977. After partnering 1,000 winners, Lee changed disciplines in 2012 because he was able to ride off a low weight of 8st 6lb, which opened up further opportunities.

Three years later, he made history as the first jockey to take the Grand National and Ascot Gold Cup, following the successful run of Ed Dunlop's horse Trip To Paris. North Yorkshire-based Lee has ridden 47 winners this season for many different trainers, a list which includes Julie Camacho and Kevin Ryan.

Jason Heavey