Ana O'Brien returns home from hospital after horror fall

Ana O'Brien is home from hospital to continue her recuperation from the injuries she suffered in a horrific fall at Killarney on July 18.

The 21-year-old sustained fractured vertebrae in her neck and back and also fractures to her cheekbones. She was transferred from the racecourse by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital.

Her father Aidan said on Wednesday: "Ana was released from hospital yesterday. She's delighted to be home and, all things considered, she's in good form and very grateful and appreciative of the excellent care she received both at Killarney and in hospital."

O'Brien was riding Druids Cross, trained by her brother Joseph, in a one mile rated race when her mount took a crashing fall after coming into contact with another horse under two furlongs from the finish. Druids Cross suffered fatal injuries.

She rode in both the Investec Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this year and has ridden 66 winners, 22 of them this season. She is expected to be out of action until possibly November.