Mackay moved to Stoke Mandeville specialist unit

Former jockey Allan Mackay has been moved to a specialist unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital to continue his rehabilitation from the devastating fall he suffered on the Newmarket gallops at the end of March.

Mackay, 57, suffered paralysis to his legs and most of his chest in the fall from a horse at exercise on Racecourse Side but has use of his arms. Despite being in an induced coma for many days in the aftermath of his fall, Mackay has no brain trauma and is speaking normally according to his son, jockey Nicky.

Nicky Mackay, himself recovering from breaking his leg in a fall at Chelmsford on March 16, said: "Dad was moved to Stoke Mandeville on Friday where he is to continue his rehabilitation.

"His injuries are worse than we first thought in that he's done his T4 rather than T8 and he has no use of his legs. Basically, from his nipples down he has no feeling but his arms are fine and they are strong."

Nicky added: "He can speak fine as he has no brain injury and hopefully he will make some progress. I think he'll be there for at least three months and it's similar to the treatment Freddy Tylicki received. He's in the best place with rugby players and such like who are recovering from similar injuries."

A popular figure, Mackay retired from the saddle in 2006 but was still active as a work-rider, and Nicky Mackay added: "We continue to get great support and I can't tell you how many people ring.

"I heard there were a few charity things going on including a Newmarket Monopoly Board for which someone has already bid £1,000, which is incredible."

Donations can be made at:

Monopoly bids on Twitter @davidmilnesHQ