Henry Brooke taken to hospital after Hexham fall

Henry Brooke is being treated in hospital for serious injuries after being kicked by another horse after a fall at Hexham.

The jockey was partnering the Brian Ellison-trained Old Storm in the intu Metrocentre Always A Winner Novices' Handicap Chase and was in the lead when he came to grief at the second fence.

Brooke was kicked by another horse and racing was delayed for almost two hours while officials waited for emergency services to transfer the rider by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

The jockey's mother Julia Brooke said: "He's broken his collarbone and they had to put him to sleep on the course as he had a problem with his lung.

"I think he must have a collapsed lung as they had to put a tube in, which is why it took so long for them to get him to Newcastle, I think."

James Armstrong, clerk of the course at both Hexham and Newcastle, said: "After the race, a road ambulance came to treat Henry at the track and it was only after that when it became apparent that he needed the air ambulance.

"Our thoughts are with Henry and his family at this time and we wish him a speedy and full recovery.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the hard-working and dedicated medical team at Hexham for the work they did this afternoon under very difficult circumstances."