IN his first statement since suffering a serious fall at Gatcombe Park, top event rider Andrew Nicholson told today of his miraculous escape from paralysis.

Nicholson, who is back home, released the following statement early this afternoon:

"I am very pleased to be back at home and wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone myself for their kind messages and support which have meant a lot to me and my family.

"In terms of my injury I realise I have been incredibly lucky.

"My surgeon, Mr Jeremy Reynolds, told me that the injury I sustained to my neck would have caused paralysis at the time of injury, in 98% of cases. I was extremely fortunate this did not happen.

"I underwent an eight-hour operation where they repaired the fractures and stabilised my cervical spine. This procedure in itself was not without risk, and I cannot thank enough, the team of spinal surgeons at the John Radcliffe hospital, for what they have done.

"Obviously I won't be riding again this season as it will take some time to fully recover.

"Whilst I have to take things easy, I am up and about and fully mobile, and look forward to getting back to full fitness in due course.

"Thank you in advance for allowing my family and I some privacy and time to rest and recover,” concluded Nicholson.

The New Zealand event rider (54) fell from Irish-bred winner Cillnabradden Evo at the CIC*** in Gatcombe Park two weeks ago.

The horse, who has been a winner for Andrew at Weston Park and has 247 British Eventing points, was unharmed in the fall.

Nicholson is a former world no 1 who has won three Olympic team medals as well as three world championships medals. He is also a five-time winner of the Burghley Horse Trials.