McNamara airlifted to hospital

JT McNamara has been put into a medically-induced coma after sustaining injuries in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

The renowned amateur rider was partnering Galaxy Rock for trainer Jonjo O'Neill in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup when the pair crashed out at the first fence.

Medical staff were quickly on hand to treat McNamara and it was decided to transfer him by air ambulance to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol for further treatment without delay.

McNamara's uncle, the trainer Andrew McNamara, said: "I've been told that JT is in an induced coma at the moment."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, champion jockey Tony McCoy added: "The medical facilities at Cheltenham, like at all racecourses, are excellent and he will have had the best possible care, but our thoughts go out tonight to John Thomas, who is a friend and a colleague."