Laverty condition being assessed

Jockey Derek Laverty’s “condition is being assessed” in hospital after he suffered a crashing fall at Towcester.

The 5lb claimer came off worst in a three-horse spill at the third-last hurdle in the bestpartiesever.com Mares’ Only “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

Laverty’s mount Thimblesfirth was brought down along with Glenkill after Lady Wilde smashed into the running rail and hit the deck.

The young rider was airlifted on a stretcher to Milton Keynes General Hospital with suspected breathing difficulties and a suspected injury to his ribs.

“He’s in the surgical assessment unit where his condition is being assessed,” confirmed a hospital spokesperson.

Isabel Tompsett, rider of Glenkill, was knocked unconscious for two minutes and was taken to Northampton Hospital as a precaution.

Ms Tompsett has now been released from hospital after suffering concussion.

“It was a nasty incident and I was knocked out but I feel absolutely fine now,” she said.

All three horses came out of the incident unscathed, while William Kennedy, who rode Lady Wilde, was bruised and shaken up but not stood down.