Allan Mackay in intensive care following fall at Newmarket

Former jockey Allan Mackay is in intensive care at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge following a fall on the Newmarket gallops on Saturday.

The 57-year-old, who is understood to have only recently returned from injury, is believed to have been riding out for trainer Michael Wigham when the accident happened.

A statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund said: “Former jockey Allan Mackay suffered a fall on the Newmarket gallops on Saturday morning and was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. He is in intensive care and currently under sedation. The extent of his injuries is not yet known and there is unlikely to be a further update until later this week.”

A lightweight rider, Mackay retired from the saddle in 2006 after 30 years as a jockey. He won on his first ride, Lanark Birk, at York in 1976 and was runner-up to Billy Newnes in the apprentice title in 1982. He enjoyed one of his biggest wins on Grand Unit, trained by his father-in-law Eric Eldin, in the Bessborough Handicap at Royal Ascot.

Mackay is father to jockey Nicky Mackay and former jockey Jamie Mackay. Nicky Mackay suffered serious leg injuries at Chelmsford on March 16 when his mount Royalistic veered right in the home straight and crashed through the running rail giving him a heavy fall.