Charlie O'Shea making 'good progress' following serious chest injuries

Amateur rider Charlie O'Shea is able to breathe without the aid of a ventilator after responding well to treatment for serious chest injuries sustained at Wincanton on Sunday.

O'Shea was unseated from Paudie in a novice hunter chase and airlifted to Bristol's Southmead hospital, where he remains in intensive care.

In an update issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Injured Jockeys Fund said: "Major Charlie O'Shea is making good progress in Bristol Southmead Hospital where he has been treated for a flail chest sustained during his fall on Sunday.

"This was a serious injury which occurs when multiple ribs are fractured on both sides of the chest disrupting the bellows mechanism which allows us to breathe in and out.

"Charlie was put on a ventilator to support his breathing directly after the injury. It was initially thought he may need cardiothoracic surgery to repair his chest wall injuries, but this now seems less likely, his sedation has been reduced and he has been able to come off the ventilator.

Major Charlie O'Shea: suffered multiple rib fracturesCredit: Mark Cranham

"His wife Kate has been able to spend time with him and reports he is sitting up in bed and talking. It is hoped he will be able to leave intensive care in the next few days.

"Charlie and his family are extremely grateful for the care and expertise of the hospital staff and the good wishes from the racing community."

O'Shea made the news earlier this year when he completed the Royal Artillery/Grand Military Gold Cup double at Sandown aboard Rolling Dylan.

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