Legendary jockey AP McCoy was overcome with emotion as he gave an update on Graham Lee after a horror fall last Friday.
Irishman Lee was unseated from his mount Ben Macdui as the stalls opened in a sprint handicap and he was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
After a series of tests, the Galway native was diagnosed with an unstable cervical fracture and remains in the care of medical professionals.
READ MORE: Injured Jockeys Fund and British Horseracing Authority issue statement on Irish jockey Graham Lee
The incident has hit hard for many in the sport as Lee is highly regarded and extremely popular amongst his peers.
Speaking on ITV's coverage of Cheltenham on Saturday, McCoy, who battled with the 47-year-old on many occasions, struggled to keep his emotions in check as he gave an update on Lee.
"It's been the most horrendous week," said McCoy.
"One little positive thing would be that Ritchie McGrath and his wife Becky FaceTimed me with Graham last night... but when I say the most horrendous week I really mean that."
Fellow ITV pundit Ruby Walsh stepped in as McCoy tried to keep his emotions in check before McCoy continued:
"He had an operation to stabilise his fractures on Wednesday. There is a lot of swelling and bruising around the spinal chord - it's going to be a long road, you know.
"It is a long road and it'll be a long road for Becky and the family. We never know in the world where things can go, and what medicine is bringing us.
"With a bit of luck God can be good, and I think everyone would like him to be good right now."
Earlier in the week, McCoy issued a statement in his role as Injured Jockeys Fund president with vice-president Jack Berry expressing the organisations support for Lee.
The statement read: “Like everyone in racing, we at the Injured Jockeys Fund are all devastated with the news of the injuries Graham Lee sustained from his horrific fall at Newcastle on Friday.
“All our thoughts are with Graham, his wife Becky, and their family.
“As bad as Graham’s injuries are, please do rest assured that our team at the IJF will look after his needs to assist him in his recovery and predicament for as long as it takes.
“Whatever help he and his family needs, we will be there to provide it.”
Julie Harrington, the chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, also sent her best wishes.
She said: “We are shocked to hear the distressing news regarding the injuries suffered by Graham Lee. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and the whole sport is praying for one of its finest ambassadors.
“We are doing everything we can to support Graham and his family, and we ask that everyone respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
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