JOCKEY Aidan MacDonald has been rushed to hospital following a horrific fall at Hexham.
Fortunately the rider was conscious when taken by ambulance to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
MacDonald came crashing to earth three hurdles from home when sent flying from 22-1 shot Russian Royale.
The 11-year-old horse returned to his feet but MacDonald was left lying on the turf.
James Armstrong, clerk of the course at Hexham, tweeted: “Aidan MacDonald is being taken from @HexhamRaces to RVI in Newcastle following his fall in the first.
“He was conscious and taken off by ambulance.
“All our thoughts with him and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.”
One concerned punter watching from home said: “Looked horrific watching it live. Thoughts with him. All the best.”
Another posted: “Wishing Aidan a speedy recovery.”
While another worried racing fan said: “Do hope Aidan MacDonald is OK, horrible fall at Hexham.”
MacDonald is a conditional jockey and has won just shy of £20,000 in his short career.
Prior to his Hexham fall he raced six days earlier at Carlisle, coming fourth of nine aboard 12-1 shot Artic Quest.
