JT McNamara has undergone surgery on the serious neck injury he sustained in a fall 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.

McNamara, one of the leading amateurs on the circuit for a number of years, was airlifted to hospital after being treated by the on-course medics.

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

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer for the Turf Club, reports there to be no change in McNamara's condition but confirmed the rider has damaged two vertebrae.

"We can confirm that amateur rider J T McNamara suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck yesterday," he said.

"He is currently in theatre in Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. There will be no further news until tomorrow and we will keep everyone informed, His wife Caroline is with him."