Tom Thompson
Wednesday, 27 October, 2004.
Wednesday, 27 October, 2004.
It should have been a red-letter day, one to tell the grandchildren about.
It should have been a red-letter day, one to tell the grandchildren about.
Instead, it turned to horror.
Instead, it turned to horror.
Making his way to Sedgefield racecourse, young Tom Thompson was understandably excited.
Making his way to Sedgefield racecourse, young Tom Thompson was understandably excited.
He had dreamed of becoming a jockey since he had sat on his first pony: now that dream was about to become reality.
He had dreamed of becoming a jockey since he had sat on his first pony: now that dream was about to become reality.
He was booked to make his debut in the 2.25 race.
He was booked to make his debut in the 2.25 race.
He was to ride Just Tom for the stable of Micky Hammond.
He was to ride Just Tom for the stable of Micky Hammond.
By 2.30, the dream was over.
By 2.30, the dream was over.
Tom's mount fell at the second, throwing his young jockey to the ground. Tom was then kicked in the head by a following horse.
Tom's mount fell at the second, throwing his young jockey to the ground. Tom was then kicked in the head by a following horse.
He was rushed to North Tees Hospital in Stockton were he remained in intensive care 'poorly but stable' for several days.
He was rushed to North Tees Hospital in Stockton were he remained in intensive care 'poorly but stable' for several days.
On Monday, 1 November, his mother reported that he 'has started to come round' though he had still not spoken.
On Monday, 1 November, his mother reported that he 'has started to come round' though he had still not spoken.