The Injured Jockeys Fund has provided a further update on jockey Graham Lee, in which he is described as having made “positive progress”.
The Grand National and Ascot Gold Cup-winning rider from Galway remains in Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle after a serious fall last week, when unseated from Ben Macdui at the start of an all-weather handicap on Friday.
The 47-year-old suffered an unstable cervical fracture causing damage to his spinal cord and has undergone two procedures to stabilise the fractures and further protect his spinal cord.
The IJF update, circulated on Friday afternoon, read: “Graham has made positive progress in the last 24 hours and has been able to talk normally with his family for short periods when his ventilator is turned down.
Patrick Mullins secures emotional win for father Willie as Nick Rockett takes Grand National
Grand National 2025: Opportunity knocks for Perceval Legallois to deliver JP McManus a record fourth at Aintree
Willie Mullins warms up for Grand National with Topham glory over the big fences through Gentleman De Mee
Slip in viewing figures suggests reducing Grand National risk has also reduced its appeal as a spectacle
“He has been reviewed by his spinal consultant and when a bed becomes available in the ITU at James Cook Hospital, Middlesborough, he will be transferred closer to home.
“Graham and his family want to thank everyone for their continued and overwhelming support.”