Irish point-to-point rider McGrath out of intensive care

Stella McGrath, who suffered serious head injuries and a fractured vertebra in a point-to-point last month, is out of intensive care and making a slow recovery in Cork University Hospital, according to Turf Club chief medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick.

The 20-year-old from Bandon, County Cork, who has ridden four point winners, was riding Kalanisi Express for James Dullea when the six-year-old fell two out while leading in a novice riders' event at the Golden Vale Foxhounds meeting at Glenbane, County Tipperary, on November 20.

McGoldrick said on Thursday: "Stella suffered significant head injuries and is making a slow recovery in the neurosurgical unit in Cork University Hospital. She also suffered a fracture to her T6 vertebra.

"She was unconscious after the fall and was put into an induced coma for eight days. She was moved out of the intensive care unit on Monday."

A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends to support McGrath and her family and Ballinadee Harriers Hunt in County Cork will be raising funds for the cause at its annual cross-country ride on New Year's Day.

Dullea, who trains near Bandon, said: "There's huge support for Stella. She's a very popular girl and everyone is thinking about her and hoping she continues on the road to recovery. She seems to have made a bit of progress in the past couple of days and that's great news.

"She rides out for me at the weekends and has been riding out regularly for another trainer in our area, Eoghan O'Grady, this season."