Racing: Tommy Stack in critical condition

TOMMY STACK, one of Ireland's top trainers but better known as the jockey who rode Red Rum to his historic third Grand National success in 1977, is critically ill with a viral infection in Cork County Hospital. A representative of his stable at Thomastown Castle, Co Tipperary, said: "He's critical and the next 24 hours will be crucial."

Stack, 53, was champion National Hunt jockey of Britain in the 1974/75 and 1976/77 seasons with 82 and 97 winners respectively. He took over on Red Rum from Brian Fletcher.

He has held a training licence since 1986 and the highlights of his second career have included the victory of Las Meninas in the 1,000 Guineas of 1994 and Tarascon's triumph in this year's Irish 1,000 Guineas.

The former jockey Christy Roche recorded the first four-timer of his training career at Leopardstown yesterday through Afarad, now 14-1 for the Triumph Hurdle, the Cheltenham-bound Joe Mac in the novices' hurdle, Shannon Gale in the handicap hurdle and another likely celebrity, Youlneverwalkalone, in the bumper.