Wesley Joyce makes 'significant progress' in intensive care after Galway fall

Apprentice Wesley Joyce is said to have made "significant progress" in the early stages of his recovery from serious injuries suffered in a fall at the Galway festival.

Joyce, 19, sustained major trauma to his chest and had been on a ventilator in ICU at University Hospital Galway after being unseated from Red Heel in the Listed Corrib Fillies Stakes last week.

Speaking on Friday morning, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board senior medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh said: "Wesley has continued to make significant progress throughout the week. He is now breathing on his own but remains in ICU at University Hospital Galway for the moment.

"Wesley is fully alert and responsive and while he will require a considerable period of rehabilitation, he has made major progress over the last seven days and is continuing to recover well from his injuries.

Wesley Joyce: had his first ride at Dundalk in February 2021Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"We continue to be thankful for the level of care Wesley has received from the team at University Hospital Galway, along with the pre-hospital care he received on course at Galway racecourse immediately after his fall by the IHRB medical team, the Order of Malta Ambulance service and the Galway racecourse doctors."

Joyce had ridden six winners from 123 rides in Ireland this season and was having his first outing in Listed company last week when Red Heel appeared to jump the road crossing while leading the field, leading to the heavy fall.

Trainer Mick Mulvany, who has been his primary supporter this season, earlier this week described the Moyross, County Limerick native as "a great worker who you could set your clock by every day".

Read this next . . .

'He has leading claims' – assessing Frankie Dettori's Shergar Cup mounts

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!