Burke in 'good spirits' despite injury Leading rider Jonathan Burke is reported to be "very comfortable" in hospital after suffering a fractured vertebra in a gallops incident on Tuesday morning. Burke, who is retained jockey to prominent owners Ann and Alan Potts, sustained the injury during a schooling session at his father Liam's yard in County Cork. Senior Turf Club medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said on Wednesday morning: "Johnny has had a CT scan which has confirmed he has fractured his T6 (vertebra). "He is waiting to be assessed by another spinal surgeon and a decision will be made then as to whether he needs surgery or a brace, as he did for his compound fractures earlier in the year. "I spoke to Johnny at 8am today and he's very comfortable and in good spirits." Burke also suffered two compressed vertebrae fractures in a fall at Thurles in January, but was fit enough to ride at both the Cheltenham Festival and in the Crabbie's Grand National, in which he finished fifth aboard Goonyella.
