Major Charlie O'Shea in intensive care after being unseated at Wincanton

Amateur jockey Major Charlie O'Shea is receiving treatment in intensive care after being airlifted to hospital following a fall at Wincanton on Sunday.

The fixture had to be abandoned before the final race as O'Shea was treated by medics on course after being unseated on the Syd Hosie-trained Paudie at the second fence of the New John Dufosee Novices' Hunters' Chase. He was subsequently taken to Southmead hospital in Bristol.

A statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) on Monday morning said he suffered serious chest injuries and would continue to be assessed and treated.

The statement read: “Following a fall at Wincanton racecourse on Sunday April 10, amateur jockey Major Charlie O’Shea received immediate treatment for serious chest injuries from the onsite medical team before being evacuated by helicopter to Bristol Southmead Hospital.

"He is currently under sedation in intensive care and there will be another update when he has been assessed and treated further and more information is available.

"His wife Kate and family are grateful for the care he has received so far and would ask that any further enquiries are directed via the Injured Jockeys Fund.”

O'Shea has had an outstanding season on the racecourse, riding a double in the two most prestigious races restricted to members of the armed forces.

He partnered Rolling Dylan to land the Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown and followed up the following month in the Grand Military Gold Cup. He has ridden three winners from 13 rides in total this season.

O'Shea spent most of his military career in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and for the last five years worked a naval gunfire liaison officer.