Jockey Thomas hospitalised after serious fall

Sam Thomas was this morning airlifted to hospital after suffering a bad fall on the gallops at Paul Nicholls' yard.

Thomas is reported to have escaped serious injury, but is still doubtful to appear at next week's Cheltenham Festival.

The Gold Cup-winning jockey sustained back and neck injuries and was taken to Royal United Hospital in Bath following a schooling accident at first lot.

Trainer Tom George, for whom Thomas is stable jockey, said: "He had a bad fall schooling at Paul Nicholls' yard this morning and was airlifted to hospital.

"I've spoken to his girlfriend, who has been allowed to talk to him.

"Initial X-rays have shown that there are no broken bones.

"He's very stiff and sore but we are very hopeful there is no serious damage.

"The next 24 hours will tell us more."

A spokesperson for Nicholls' yard added: "He was down schooling first lot this morning when he had a fall.

"He was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath."

A spokesperson for the Royal United Hospital said: "He is stable and is awaiting further tests."

Thomas' finest hour to date came when he rode Denman to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in 2008.

Although Tony McCoy rides Denman this year, the Welsh-born jockey is due to partner the Nicholls-trained Tricky Trickster in the Gold Cup.

He is also pencilled in to ride George's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle favourite Tell Massini next Friday.