Amateur jockey Keen-Hawkins in critical care after fall

Amateur jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins is in critical care with a serious head injury after falling in a handicap hurdle at Worcester Racecourse on Sunday.

She came down aboard Faerie Cutlass at the third-last in the 2m4f handicap hurdle and was knocked out from the fall, with screens put up while she was attended to.

The Injured Jockeys Fund said she was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after her fall.

"Lauren has suffered a serious head injury and is now in Critical Care," it's statement read. "Her parents and partner are with her and they kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time."

Trainer Kim Bailey said Faerie Cutlass, the horse Keen-Hawkins was riding, is "thankfully fine".

The Amateur Jockey Association said it would "hope and pray for Lauren's speedy recovery".

Its statement said: "It is good to know that she is receiving the best possible medical care and we are most grateful as always for the support of Dr Jerry Hill and also The Injured Jockeys Fund.

"Thanks also to Libby O'Flagherty and the medics at Worcester Racecourse for their expert attention.

"Please say a prayer for Lauren before you go to sleep tonight"