Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee in intensive care after horrific fall

Jockey Graham Lee is in intensive care after a serious fall at Newcastle.

The 47-year-old, who won the 2004 Grand National on Ginger McCain-trained Amberleigh House, was unseated from his mount Ben Macdui as the stalls opened for a sprint handicap on Friday (November 10) evening.

He suffered a neck injury and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary five miles away. A statement issued by the Injured Jockeys Fund on Saturday morning confirmed: "He will undergo further tests today to assess the extent of the injury."

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Well wishes have flooded in for Lee on social media. Pundit Matt Chapman posted: "Keep everything crossed that some good news eventually comes from the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle over @AintreeRaces Grand National hero Graham Lee after his fall @NewcastleRaces."

Trainer Bryan Smart wrote: "We are all praying for Graham Lee this morning who had a horrible fall at Newcastle last night. If you are of faith or none please give a thought and a prayer for this absolute gentleman."

Their thoughts were echoed by Fergal O'Brien, who commented: "Keeping our fingers crossed for a speedy and full recovery." And Alice Haynes similarly added: "Keeping Graham and his family in our thoughts and prayers – keep fighting."

Lee rode more than 1,000 winners over jumps, making a name for himself early on his career by winning a quintuple of races at a Wetherby meet in the autumn of 2003.

He made a successful switch to flat racing in 2012 after a number of injury issues, winning the Gold Cup at Ascot three years later on Trip To Paris and riding Alpha Delphini to victory by a nose in the 2018 Nunthorpe.

He enjoyed his best season in 2014 with 159 winners, which earned him third in the jockeys' championship. So far this season he's had 47 winners from 598 rides.

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