Sligo-born jockey Derek Fox is recovering in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a fall during a race at Sedgefield on Thursday.
Fox, a two-time Aintree Grand National winner, was leading the 3:10 race on Ballydisco, trained by Lucinda Russell, when he fell four fences from the finish line. The incident saw Fox thrown into the air, landing heavily with the back of his head hitting the turf.
Following the fall, the Emmett Place native was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed he had suffered fractures to both his neck and back. Fortunately, according to a statement shared by Russell on social media, the injuries are expected to heal without the need for surgery.
Fox’s condition is being closely monitored as he begins his recovery.