Top jockey Mark Walsh rushed to hospital for X-rays after suffering suspected back injury in heavy fall at Leopardstown

TOP jockey Mark Walsh has been rushed to hospital after a heavy fall at Leopardstown.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider suffered a suspected back injury – but racecourse officials said he was conscious and able to move his limbs.

Times Newspapers LtdMark Walsh was taken to hospital for tests after a heavy fall at Leopardstown[/caption]

Walsh was riding the 5-2 favourite Risk Belle in the opening race, a 22-runner mares’ handicap hurdle.

She was travelling nicely in behind the leaders but made a terrible mistake at the fifth hurdle and sent Walsh flying from the saddle.

He was immediately attended to by racecourse docs, while his horse galloped away unhurt.

He was assessed at the scene and taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin for further tests.

A racecourse spokesman said: “Mark Walsh has been stood down for the day following his fall in race one.

“He has been transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital for precautionary x-rays but was conscious at all times and moving all limbs.”

Walsh only returned from a month on the sidelines through injury on Saturday.

He was due to ride top two-miler Gentleman De Mee in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase – who ended up winning under his replacement Danny Mullins.

Racing fans sent their thoughts to Walsh, who is the number one jockey for JP McManus in Ireland.

One said: “Hopefully it’s not too serious – all the best Mark.”

While another posted: “It looked horrible, fingers crossed it’s not too bad.”