Thomas taken to hospital

Richard Thomas was taken to East Surrey Hospital after suffering a bad fall at Lingfield.

The jockey was in mid-division aboard Jim Best’s Pivotal Era in the Lingfield Park For Christmas Parties Claiming Stakes when the 16-1 chance fell approaching the two-furlong point.

Thomas was dashed off to hospital for precautionary checks but was said to be conscious following the spill.

“I’ve just spoken to someone at the track, who knows he was taken off to hospital with back and neck pain,” said Kate Hills, head of public relations for Arena Leisure.

“They were taking him away for checks. He was probably a little bit concussed but he was conscious.”