The serious fall of jockey JT McNamara put a dampener on Cheltenham 2013, but after time in an induced coma, he is thankfully still on the road to recovery.
By Declan Whooley
The 37 year-old Limerick jockey sustained serious injuries after falling from Galaxy Rock on the Thursday of the festival and fractured his C3 and C4 vertebrae in the fall and JT was put in an induced coma by medical attendants.
McNamara only regained consciousness early last week, but remains in a stable condition at the Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. He is to be transferred to the National Spinal Unit at The Mater Hospital, Dublin – possibly as early as next week, depending on his condition.
A statement issued on behalf of the McNamara family this week stated that the leading amateur rider is now “fully alert” but requires full-time ventilation.
“In due course JT will be transferred to the National Spinal Unit at the Mater Hospital, Dublin where he will be closer to his family. His wife Caroline and family very much appreciate everyone’s continued good wishes and prayers on JT’s behalf,” the statement read.
According to the Limerick Leader, the brave jockey received a welcome boost when his three young children Dylan, Harry and Olivia travelled to Bristol to see their dad.
We wish JT all the best as he continues to overcome more hurdles on his road to recovery.
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