Top jockey Clifford Lee has emerged from an induced coma following a motorcycle accident during his vacation. The 29-year-old suffered a neck fracture after falling headfirst and was swiftly taken to the hospital last week. With an exceptional year boasting 94 wins, Lee faces an extended recovery period, as confirmed by his employer, Karl Burke.
Burke stated, “He has now come out of the induced coma, which is a positive step. He will undergo surgery to address the fractures. He is resilient, and we hope he will successfully navigate the operation, leading to his recovery.”
In a notable achievement in August, Lee clinched the Prix Morny at Deauville with Venetian Sun. His successful streak continued with victories aboard Royal Champion, Al Qareem, and Convergent during the summer.
Taking a break in Greece and subsequently traveling to Scotland with his family, Lee, who had won his last four races, encountered the unfortunate accident. Burke expressed surprise upon learning about Lee’s involvement in motorbiking but acknowledged the situation could have been much worse.
Throughout 2025, Lee’s horses amassed a total of £2.3 million in Britain, with Al Qareem racking up £237,857 from four triumphs. Originating from south-east London and lacking a racing background, Lee’s expertise in pace judgment was evident in consecutive wins in the Cambridgeshire handicap with Boiling Point and Liberty Lane.
Well-wishers have flooded Lee with messages of support while he receives treatment in an Edinburgh hospital. Fans expressed hopes for his swift recovery and anticipated his return to the racing scene with optimism.
