Racing: Litston critical

JENNY LITSTON, the leading point-to-point rider, was yesterday in a critical condition in intensive care after suffering severe head injuries at the Larkhill course on Saturday.

Litston was thrown to the ground when Cloud Cuckoo, her mount in a maiden race, came down at a fence. She was knocked unconscious and crushed by the mare. A helicopter took the 28- year-old from the Wiltshire course to the specialist head injuries unit at Southampton General Hospital.

Richard Nicholls, who trained many of the horses that propelled Litston to the women's championship in 1988, said: 'Point-to-point is a very dangerous sport, but Jennifer is one of the best riders in the business. Until now she's not had one serious accident. I'm just hoping she manages to pull through.'

A hospital spokesman described her condition as critical, but stable.