Hatch to stay in hospital for the 'foreseeable future' after fall

Jockey Ryan Hatch will remain in hospital for the "foreseeable future" after sustaining serious injuries to his spine and sternum in a fall at Cheltenham last week.

In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund on Wednesday, Hatch, 23, was revealed to have fractured his C6 and C7 vertebra at the base of his neck, his T6 vertebra below his shoulder blade and his sternum.

He was also reported to have a haematoma on his spine, which was shown to be decreasing.

Lisa Hancock, CEO of the IJF, said: "Following his fall at Cheltenham last Friday, repeat x-rays carried out in Bristol Southmead hospital yesterday have shown that Ryan has suffered fractures of his C6 and C7 at the base of his neck.

"He has also fractured his sternum and has fractures of his T6, which is just below the shoulder blade. He has a spinal haematoma which is shown to be decreasing.

"It is anticipated that Ryan will remain in Southmead hospital for the foreseeable future."

She added: "Any visitors to the hospital should please contact either Ryan or his father John in advance of visiting."

Hatch, who is attached to the Nigel Twiston-Davies stable, was injured when Cogry fell during the 3m2f chase at Cheltenham and has been in hospital since.

The rider had 17 wins so far this season and was closing in on his personal-best tally of 22 winners recorded last season, when he also won the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Blaklion.

Hatch also won the Imperial Cup on Flying Angel and Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle on Ballyoptic last season.