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RACING: Fitzgerald second op a success
Mick Fitzgerald's second operation on the neck injury he sustained after his fall from L'Ami in the Grand National is reported to have been a success.
Fitzgerald, who lives in Childrey, near Wantage, underwent five hours of surgery at Oxford's Nuffield Hospital and will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
His neck is now supported by a fixed brace, rather than a halo, and if he continues to progress, plans will be made in the near future for him to return home.
Fitzgerald also had surgery on his knee to repair severe ligament damage. That was a success, too.
The 37-year-old jockey underwent an initial eight-hour operation to realign three vertebrae and two discs.
Speaking a day before his second operation, Fitzgerald was in upbeat mood.
"My two little boys have been in to see me and they cheered me up no end, with Chloe my girlfriend," Fitzgerald said.
"To be closer to home where I can see Chloe and the kids regularly means so much more.
"I will be having two operations, one on my knee and then another on my neck, at least it beats having to recover twice!"
Meanwhile, Whatcombe trainer Paul Cole, who has made a phenomenal start to the season, saw his reich vein of form continue in the oddschecker.com Masaka Stakes at Kempton on Saturday.
Jazz Jam (5-1) took the Listed event, a supposed Classic trial which tends to have little relevance to the major events themselves.
Richard Quinn popped the chestnut into the lead approaching the distance and she appeared to be holding Comeback Queen before the line - winning by half a length - despite her rival's good late headway.
"She's a tough little filly and the owner is a breeder, so this is a good show all-round," said Cole.
Meanwhile, Nahoodh, 14-1 with the sponsors for the Stan James 1,000 Guineas, has been confirmed on target for the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury.
West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon had, until the last few days, been unsure about his Lowther Stakes winner being fit in time to line up for a Classic trial.
"I'm now very comfortable with where Nahoodh is," he said.
5:28pm Thursday 17th April 2008
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