PADDY Young remains heavily sedated but stable in a Pennsylvania hospital this weekend following a bad fall in a timber race at nearby track Malvern last Saturday.

From Banbridge in Co Down, Young (41) suffered severe head trauma in the fall and underwent immediate surgery last weekend to relieve the swelling to his brain. He also fractured his C7 vertebra. Doctors say a full recovery is possible.

Young and wife Lesley, a racehorse trainer, have three children. They spent last Christmas in Northern Ireland.

A five-time champion jump jockey in the US, Young considered retirement in 2015 but continued riding following requests from owners and trainers keen to call on his services. He rode his 198th career winner earlier on Saturday’s card and was keen to reach the 200-mark.

His mother Frances has had an anxious week awaiting updates from the hospital where Lesley and Paddy’s brother Jonathan have been keeping vigil. “We’re thankful he didn’t die on the racecourse,” Mrs Young said. “The operation went well, the bleeding has stopped and the doctors are keeping him sedated so he doesn’t get distressed.”

An online fund has been set up by fellow jockeys to help Young meet his significant medical expenses. By yesterday over $90,000 has been raised.

Gail Carlisle, formerly with the Willie Mullins yard and a friend of the jockey, said: “Paddy is so highly regarded in the States that he known simply as ‘Champ’ to his fellow jockeys, trainers and racing fans. He is still very much an Irish jockey and holds his Northern accent like he’s only gone a week.”

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