Apprentice jockey Rhys Elliott is said to be recovering in hospital after he suffered a punctured lung and small fractures of the neck and spine in a fall at Newcastle on Wednesday evening.
Elliott was riding the Michael Dods-trained Masterpainter (Ire) in the penultimate race on the card when the pair suffered a heavy fall approaching the final furlong after finding themselves short of room.
In a statement on X, Michael Dods Racing said, “An update on our apprentice Rhys Elliott following a heavy fall from Masterpainter at Newcastle Racecourse last night…
“Rhys is in hospital and Michael has spoken to him this morning. He has a punctured lung and small fractures of the neck and spine, but the good news is that they will heal and he's hoping to be out of hospital soon.
“He is very grateful to the racecourse medical team and the hospital staff for their expert care. He also wants to say thanks for all the messages he's received since the news broke.
“Masterpainter is battered and bruised but he's OK. Obviously, it could have been a lot worse and both Rhys and the horse are very lucky.
“All the team here at Denton Hall wish Rhys a speedy recovery and we are all thinking of him. We will post an update as soon as we have further information.”
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