McNamara 'stable' following surgery

JT McNamara is reported to be in a "stable condition" following surgery on the serious neck injury he sustained at Cheltenham on Thursday.

The 37-year-old was injured in a first-fence fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and was airlifted to hospital after being treated by the on-course medics.

Conscious following the fall according to officials at the track, the leading amateur rider was put in an induced coma before his transfer to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

McNamara underwent surgery on his fractured C3 and C4 vertebrae on Friday.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, Irish Turf Club senior medical officer and Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund, have jointly issued a statement on behalf of the McNamara family.

It read: "We can report that following lengthy surgery yesterday JT McNamara is in a stable condition.

"He remains in an induced coma at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

"No further updates will be released until Tuesday, March 19 and the family politely request that the media do not contact Frenchay Hospital direct.

"They would also like to thank everyone for their kind support and best wishes for JT."