Flat racing jockey Clifford Lee has been rushed to hospital with a neck injury after he was involved in a motorbike crash while on holiday.
Lee, 29, has enjoyed a breakthrough season this year, but he was involved in a serious incident as he spent some time away from the sport.
The 29-year-old was driving cross-country on a motorbike in Scotland, but crashed and landed on his neck.
It has been reported that Lee, who has ridden 94 winners this year, was going extremely slowly at the time of the accident.
Trainer Karl Burke, who is his boss, revealed the news to the Racing Post.
He said: ‘Cliff has had a bad fall. He’s suspended and he was on holiday in Scotland.
Jockey Clifford Lee has been rushed to hospital with a neck injury after a motorbike crash
‘He was on a cross-country motorbike. He wasn’t doing anything stupid.
‘He was apparently going at less than ten miles an hour, but it flipped over and he landed on his head.
‘He’s in hospital and we’re all thinking of him.’
Several fans and figures across the racing world were quick to send their thoughts to Lee.
One said: ‘Wishing a speedy recovery to Clifford Lee,’ before another added: ‘Speedy recovery @CliffordleexLee.’
A further concerned supporter said: ‘Sad news. Thinking of you @CliffordleexLee and all at @karl_burke who will be so worried. Sending love and prayers [sic].’
After growing up in Kent and beginning his career at the British Racing School, Lee has gone to new levels since joining Burke’s yard.
Last year he won the Ayr Gold Cup and Cambridgeshire in successive weeks, and this season he won his first Group 1 race.
Lee was a boxer in his younger days and his strength is widely recognised as a key component in his riding.
