Jockey Brian Toomey out of coma after Perth racecourse fall

Jockey Brian Toomey is out of a coma and can move his arms and legs after a fall at Perth racecourse had left him with serious injuries.

The 24-year-old, who had surgery to reduce swelling on his brain, remains in hospital but can now breathe without a respirator.

He was on Solway Dandy when the horse fell in a hurdle race on 4 July.

"Although no longer in a coma he does get very tired and needs lots of rest," said his mother Marian.

On the evening of Toomey's fall, his head injury was described as "life-threatening" but he has made significant progress since.

He is in the high dependency unit of Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where he is breathing with the assistance of a tracheotomy [windpipe procedure].

Toomey, who is attached to the yard of Kevin Ryan, is the boyfriend of the North Yorkshire trainer's daughter Amy, who was last season's champion apprentice rider.

A statement from the Injured Jockeys' Fund on behalf of his family and the Professional Jockeys' Association thanked people for their continued support, including cards and messages.