JOCKEY FIGHTS FOR HIS LIFE
Aidan in critical condition
YOUNG rider Aidan Macdonald was last night fighting for his life – a fortnight after taking a crashing fall at Hexham.
The 21-year-old was aboard 22-1 shot Russian Royale, trained by his boss Micky Hammond, when the mare came down at the third-last flight of the Welcome To Hexham 2021 Conditional Jockeys’ Mares’ Handicap Hurdle on March 18.
Hawick-born 7lb claimer Macdonald (right) was discharged after undergoing tests at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary but collapsed in Middleham on Wednesday afternoon.
“Conditional jockey Aidan Macdonald had a fall at Hexham racecourse on March 18 and went to the RVI in Newcastle, from where he received extensive testing and was subsequently discharged,” said a statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund yesterday. “Yesterday, after being taken ill, he went in an ambulance to the James Cook Middlesbrough Hospital.
“He is a critical condition and receiving active treatment for a suspected carotid artery dissection.” Macdonald, who joined Hammond’s Middleham stable permanently in 2016, has ridden three winners.
“It’s very worrying, and the next 24 to 36 hours are crucial,” said Hammond. “Aidan is 21 and he’s a fit lad. He was conscious and talking before he was taken to hospital, and we are hoping and praying for the right outcome. “Aidan’s parents came to the yard this morning and they ask for privacy at this difficult time.”
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