GRAND NATIONAL winning jockey Graham Lee is in intensive care after a fall at Newcastle Races last night.

The North Yorkshire-based 47-year-old jockey was unseated from his mount Ben Macdui as the stalls opened in the BetUK. Home Of The Acca-Fenwa Handicap.

A statement this morning from the Injured Jockeys Fund said: "Graham was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he is in intensive care with a neck injury. He will undergo further tests today to assess the extent of the injury."

The highlight of the Galway-born rider's career came in the 2004 Grand National when he won the legendary race on Amberleigh House for Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain.

He had more than 1,000 National Hunt winners before switching to the Flat in 2012 and enjoying a lot of success, including winning the 2015 Ascot Gold Cup on Trip To Paris and the 2018 Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Alpha Delphini.

He has ridden 47 winners this season for a variety of trainers.

County Durham trainer Michael Dods, who is among those to employ Lee's services, Tweeted: "Everyone at Denton Hall wishes jockey Graham Lee a speedy recovery following his nasty fall at Newcastle last night."

ITV racing presenter Matt Chapman Tweeted:  "Keep everything crossed that some good news eventually comes from the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle over Grand National hero Graham Lee after his fall."

Redcar Racecourse, where Lee is a regular in the winner's enclosure, added: All of us at Redcar are wishing Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee well after his fall at Newcastle Races last night, and hoping he recovers soon."