Graham Lee is a world-class jockey, loved and respected all over the world. However, Equestrian sports can be cruel at times, especially to riders. In an unfortunate incident a few days ago, the British equestrian suffered a severe injury, damaging his spinal cord. In a heartfelt gesture, the equestrian community and horse racing legends alike have come up and pledged their support to the 2004 Grand National champion.

Lee was unmounted from his horse on Friday as the stalls opened at Newcastle Racehorse. He fell to the ground and was immediately taken to hospital. He suffered serious injuries but he has got the unwavering support of the racing community including Legendary trainer Fergal O’Brien.

Graham Lee receives much-needed support

Although injuries are common in equestrian sports, Graham Lee’s injuries are ‘very serious.’ The 47-year-old has suffered damage to the spinal cord and has been diagnosed with an unstable cervical fracture as well. In these tough times, some legendary trainers and jockeys have come out in support of Lee. One of these notable names includes the Irish trainer Fergal O’Brien.

O’Brien shared a video on his Twitter handle and looked absolutely distressed over this unfortunate incident. He extended his support to Lee and his family and also started a fundraising campaign for the 2015 Gold Cup winner. Expressing his support, O’Brien said, “It’s hard but I know Graham Lee, he has beaten me many times and he is a very tough bloke. So, we are all fighting for him, we are all wishing him well”. “We’re right behind him. Get well soon”, he further added.

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O’Brien further stated that he and his team were saddened by Lee’s injury and were all thinking and praying for him. The equestrian community is known for its shared love, and the Irish trainer did his part by organizing the fundraising campaign for Lee’s recovery. Lee also received support from a legendary jockey, who once was his competitor and is now the president of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

IJF promises support to Lee ‘for as long as it takes’

As Graham Lee battles with injuries in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, the equestrian world is opening up its warm hearts. Following Fergal O’Brien, the Injured Jockeys Fund released a statement, promising unwavering support to the injured jockey. The statement was released in unison by IJF president AP McCoy and Vice President Jack Berry.

McCoy is a 20-time Champion and has competed against Lee several times. “All our thoughts are with Graham and his wife Becky, and their family. As bad as Grahan’s injuries are, please do rest assured that our team at the IJF will look after his needs to assist him in his recovery and predicament for as long as it takes.”, the statement read. McCoy and IJF in particular have surely done good to provide all kinds of support to Graham Lee. Equestrian enthusiasts all over the world would be hoping for Lee’s speedy recovery.

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