Lawlor ‘critically ill’ after crashing fall at Down Royal

JOCKEY Francis Lawlor was critically ill last night after suffering serious head injuries following a fall at Down Royal.

The 19-year-old claimer from Ballitore, Co Kildare suffered a heavy tumble when Hammer It Home crashed out at the third-last in the Data Select Handicap Hurdle. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, said last night: “He’s critically ill and is incubated and ventilated at present. He is having a brain scan and we are waiting for the report to see if he needs surgery.”