IRIH JOCKEY JT McNamara is to be moved to a spinal hospital in Dublin from the Bristol establishment where he underwent surgery on a serious neck injury suffered in a fall at this month’s Cheltenham Festival.
A statement from Irish racing’s chief medical officer said that it would enable the 37-year-old to be closer to his family.
McNamara, one of Ireland’s leading amateur riders and with four career wins at the Cheltenham Festival, fractured C3 and C4 vertebrae following a fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.
“In due course, JT will be transferred to the National Spinal Unit at The Mater Hospital, Dublin where he will be closer to his family,” said Dr Adrian McGoldrick, Irish Turf Club senior medical officer and Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund, in a statement.
“His wife Caroline and family very much appreciate everyone’s continued good wishes and prayers on JT’s behalf.”
The McNamara family also issued a statement saying he was no longer in an induced coma.
“He is now fully alert but requires full time ventilation at present,” they said.
