Sam Thomas and Woolcombe Folly (right) jump a schooling fence on the gallops alongside Tony McCoy and Chapoturgeon moments before the fall

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.com  

Sam Thomas a festival doubt after gallops fall

SAM THOMAS is reported to be "comfortable" in hospital after being airlifted to hospital early on Thursday morning following a bad fall when schooling on Paul Nicholls' gallops. 

Thomas, who was riding Nicholls' Arkle hope Woolcombe Folly in a schooling session with Chapoturgeon, partnered by Tony McCoy, fell heavily at the last of six fences. 

The trainer immediately summoned an air ambulance, which landed on the grass schooling gallop above Ditcheat village ten minutes later. It took almost half an hour to stabilise the jockey, who never lost consciousness, before he could be rushed to the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Initial x-rays showed that Thomas had not broken any bones but further tests are being carried out and his participation at next week's Cheltenham Festival hangs in the balance. 

At 4.30pm a hospital spokeswoman told racingpost.com: "We have just had a quick word with Sam Thomas and he's happy for you to know he is as comfortable as he can be, and we are still investigating the underlying causes of his pain and discomfort.

"We don't believe at the moment it is anything too serious, but he is staying with us for the time being."

She did not know whether Thomas would be staying overnight.

Tom George, to whom Thomas is stable jockey, had earlier said: "I have spoken to Sam's girlfriend, who has talked to him, and the initial x-rays are encouraging, but obviously they have to do further tests.

"Sam is moving his feet and his hands, and is talking. He is obviously very sore, but the first round of tests have found nothing broken, although more tests have to be carried out."

Thomas is due to ride Tell Massini in either the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle or the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, and Tricky Trickster in the Totesport Gold Cup.