Former Grand National champion jockey Graham Lee is currently in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle after sustaining a severe neck injury in a fall during a race on Friday evening. The Injured Jockeys Fund released a statement on Saturday, confirming Lee’s condition and assuring further tests would be conducted to determine the extent of his injury.
The incident occurred at Newcastle’s racecourse when Lee was unseated from his mount, Ben Macdui, before the start of a race. Emergency medical services acted quickly, swiftly transporting Lee to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where he now remains in intensive care.
Lee, aged 47, has etched his name in racing history, having won the prestigious Grand National in 2004 on board Amberleigh House. His illustrious career continued as he successfully transitioned from jumps racing to flat racing in 2012. To further solidify his reputation as one of the sport’s stars, Lee claimed victory in the Ascot Gold Cup in 2015 while riding Trip To Paris.
News of Lee’s incident has sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, with fellow jockeys, trainers, and racing enthusiasts expressing deep concern for his well-being. Messages of support and hopes for a speedy recovery have flooded in from all corners, highlighting the respect and admiration Lee has garnered throughout his career.