Laura Pearson ‘bit battered and bruised’ following Epsom fall

Laura Pearson appears to have escaped serious injury following a fall at Epsom on Thursday evening.

The 21-year-old, who rode a Royal Ascot winner in 2021, was aboard Ralph Beckett’s Be Lucky My Son in the Coral Proud Supporter Of British Racing Handicap when her saddle slipped while making significant headway on the three-year-old one furlong from home. That resulted in the rider being unshipped in a crushing fall.

Beckett relayed the information that Pearson was conscious but being taken to hospital in the aftermath of the fall, and her agent Steven Croft provided a further update on his Twitter account on Friday which read: “Laura Pearson remains in hospital following her fall at Epsom last night.

“Although a bit battered and bruised, she is in good spirits with full movement and is awaiting further tests today. She appreciates all the well wishes and is eager to get back as soon as possible.”

Jockey Wesley Joyce remains in intensive care at University Hospital Galway following his fall at Galway on Thursday.

Joyce was riding Red Heel for Michael Mulvany when he was unseated early in the Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes, a seven-furlong Listed event.

The five-year-old, who Joyce won a Curragh handicap on earlier this month, was disputing the lead when appearing to stumble at the road crossing, sending his rider crashing to the turf.

The jockey was treated on course by racecourse doctor Professor McAnena before being transferred to hospital and Dr Jennifer Pugh, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s senior medical officer, provided an update on the IHRB’s Twitter account on Friday morning which read:

“Wesley’s condition has further stabilised overnight.

“The majority of his injuries are in his chest and he will remain sedated in ICU to rest and be monitored over the coming days.

“The IHRB wish to reiterate our thanks to the team at University Hospital Galway and racecourse doctor, Professor McAnena, for their excellent care at the racecourse and in the hospital.”