WORCESTERSHIRE jockey Tom Weston is expected to stay in intensive care for the next few days after suffering two punctured lungs in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

The amateur rider from Hindlip came to grief aboard Benbane Head at the fourth-last fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.

He was initially treated on the course before being airlifted to Southmead Hospital, Bristol, where his injuries were assessed and his lung problem confirmed.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Benbane Head, said: "I spoke to his mum yesterday evening and he had a full body scan.

"He has punctured both of his lungs, but the main thing is that his head is OK as the head injury was the main concern.

"He has punctured both lungs though, so he will be in intensive care for two days just so they can keep a close eye on that. It is good news."

An official statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund said: "Mrs Weston has reported this morning that jockey Tom Weston is in the intensive care unit at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, and is in a stable condition."

Benbane Head is also reported to be feeling the effects of his fall with Keighley adding: "He's a bit battered and bruised as they galloped over him too but he will be fine."

The 11-year-old has been taken out of Saturday's Betfred Midlands Grand National Chase at Uttoxeter.

A Great Western Air Ambulance Charity spokesman said: “It is all about getting the specialist care to the patient and then getting the patient to the best hospital for their needs.

“We wish the jockey a speedy recovery.”