Newtownards motocross star Gordon Crockard remained in a serious condition in hospital last night, following a racing accident at the weekend.

The former British champion is lucky to be alive after the crash at Hawkstone Park, which resulted in him sustaining a broken collarbone, broken ribs and fractured vertebrae, as well as bruising to his chest.

Crockard received emergency treatment for his injuries, during which his spleen was removed.

The rider was placed under intensive care for a time.

Crockard fell from his bike on a right-hand bend during the first lap of the 450cc race on Sunday.

He was rammed several times by fellow racers, who crashed into him. Medics at the scene gave the young man a blood transfusion, after he lost several pints of blood.

Crockard was then taken from the Hawkstone International race, near Wolverhampton, to Shrewsbury Hospital.

Paul Maguire, the 30-year-old riders managed, said Crockard was likely to remain in hospital for a month.

He remains in a high dependency unit but is conscious, although heavily sedated.

Mr Maguire paid tribute Salop Club and the medical people who saved Crockard's life.

"He has to concentrate on getting better and it will be a bonus if he wants to ride again," said Mr Maguire.

"The surgeon told us, he didn't know how Gordon survived the accident, he'd lost so much blood.

"The most important thing is that he will be ok."

The self-styled 'Crockstar' has been a pro rider since the age of 17.

He has lifted the British Open championship three time.

In 2001 Crockard came third in the world motocross championship, later winning three Grand Prix.

Crockard is undoubtedly the most successful motocross rider to come out of Northern Ireland.

(PR/JM)