A TEENAGE jockey was in a critical condition last night after taking a fall in his first public race.

Tom Thompson, 18, sustained head injuries after falling at Sedgefield Races, County Durham, and appearing to be kicked by the following horse.

His mother, who was watching the race, witnessed the accident and sat with him in the ambulance.

Mr Thompson was unconscious as he was treated by paramedics at the scene. He was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, where his condition was described as critical but stable.

Mr Thompson, from Liverpool, was in third place when he fell at the second hurdle during the Amateur Riders Handicap race.

His trainer, Mick Hammond, said: "We're just hoping and praying he will be okay, although it seems serious. I know his mother was with him, but we have not had any more news.

"It was his first race, a big occasion for the family. He is young and extremely fit, so we're all just hoping."

Charlie Moore, Sedgefield's clerk of the course, said: "Our senior medical officer, Steve Andelic, who went to the hospital, said Tom had a serious head injury and is in intensive care."

Ray Gilpin, who witnessed the accident, said: "It was a horrible fall. They were going at 30mph.

"Although Tom was wearing a crash helmet, you could see he had fallen very badly."

All following races were delayed after the accident yesterday afternoon.