Jockey critical but stable after car crash that killed passenger, 27
A TOP jockey remains seriously injured in hospital after he was involved in a fatal car crash on Exmoor on Sunday.
Matt Griffiths is reportedly in a ‘stable but critical condition’ after suffering serious head injuries in the crash which happened just over the Devon border in Somerset.
The 31-year-old remains in hospital after the collision, in which a 27-year-old man, the passenger in the car, died at the scene.
A statement released by the Injured Jockeys’ Fund confirmed that Griffiths was involved in the crash and was taken to hospital where he remains.
A statement released by the Injured Jockeys’ Fund said: “There was a fatal car accident near Exford on Exmoor.
“National Hunt jockey Matt Griffiths was involved in this and having been taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol is now in a stable but critical condition.
“His family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witness to the accident.
The police said in a statement: “We’re investigating a single vehicle fatal collision which happened on the B3224 at Exford on Sunday.
“At about 8.45pm, a BMW 430 with two occupants was in collision with a tree. The passenger, a 27-year-old man, sadly died at the scene from his injuries.
“The driver, a 31-year-old man, suffered a serious head injury and was taken to hospital.
“The road was closed while an investigation was carried out at the scene, and reopened at just after 4.30am on Monday.”
Griffiths enjoyed a breakthrough season last year as he partnered Jeremy Scott’s Dashel Drasher to a Grade 1 win and earlier in the season finished second in the Welsh Grand National.
Griffiths – who overcame a fear of horses to ride at the top level – is stable jockey at Scott’s Somerset yard and last rode at Worcester on September 28.