Jockey suffers 'serious head injuries'

Francis Lawlor was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast with serious head injuries following a fall at Down Royal this evening.

The 19-year-old claimer from Ballitore in Kildare suffered a heavy tumble when Hammer It Home crashed out at the third-last in the Data Select Handicap Hurdle.

“He has suffered head injuries and is still unconscious. Dr Welby Henry, who saw him, was very worried about him,” reported Turf Club medical officer Dr John Kennedy.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, added: “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.”