McCullagh set to leave hospital

Jockey Niall McCullagh’s father, Michael, has confirmed he could leave hospital this week.

McCullagh was put in intensive care after he was seriously injured when riding out last month.

He suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and a fractured collarbone in the fall on the gallops. McCullagh was transferred to the Connolly Hospital in Dublin but he is now on the mend, according to his father.

The 42-year-old, who won the Irish St Leger on Royal Diamond back in 2012, had enjoyed a decent season until the incident. He guided Botany Bay to victory in the Ulster Derby at Down Royal back in June.

After a number of weeks in hospital he could now return home this week.

Speaking on Sunday, his father Michael said: “They took the tube out of his lung yesterday, and he may get out on Tuesday.

“He has 10 broken ribs, not seven, and a broken collarbone as well as the collapsed lung, but he’s able to walk around and is very much on the mend.”