MRI scan reveals additional injuries to Paul Hanagan after Newcastle fall

Paul Hanagan has learned that the injuries he suffered in a fall at Newcastle three weeks ago are more extensive than first believed.

The double champion jockey suffered a fracture to his T6 vertebra when Requinto Dawn clipped heels and fell approaching the furlong marker in a 6f handicap.

When he left the racecourse’s nearby Royal Victoria Infirmary several days later he hoped there was no further damage and that he would avoid an operation, but an MRI scan on Friday revealed additional injuries.

Hanagan said: “Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA’s chief medical officer, referred me to Mr Fagan at Darlington for an MRI, and he found that I have further fractures to T3 and T4, fortunately less serious than the one to T6, as well as a haematoma and some ligament damage in front of the vertebrae.

“In some ways I’m quite relieved they've found something, as I’m still in such a lot of pain after three weeks that I was thinking there must be more to it.”

He added: “I don’t think it will delay my return significantly, but I have to return every week for further x-rays for another three weeks to make sure the fractures are still stable. They haven’t ruled out an operation, although they are still hoping it will heal itself.

“It means I can’t begin rehab for at least three weeks, but I’m keeping as positive as possible.”

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