Racing: Murphy out of hospital

DECLAN MURPHY was back in his Newmarket home last night as further steps were taken to improve racecourse safety for jockeys, writes Richard Edmondson.

Eight days after a fall at Haydock which threatened his life, the 27-year-old Irishman had recovered sufficiently to pass an examination by doctors. Meanwhile, the Jockeys' Association is hoping to introduce the sort of swift medical attention that saved Murphy at all Britain's racecourses.

'The way the services operated at Haydock was exemplary and we are now seeking the full implementation of paramedic units on all racecourses,' Michael Caulfield, the Association's secretary said after a morning meeting with the Jockey Club.

In addition, the remaining concrete posts on tracks are to be removed. All solid posts on the inner rail were taken out some years ago, but examples on the outside remain.