JOCKEY Gary Noonan lies covered in wires in his hospital bed – as he continues his recovery from a sickening Killarney fall.

Racing was delayed almost an hour on Saturday as the jumps jockey was treated on the track before being airlifted to hospital following his spill.

Injured jockey Gary Noonan is able to raise a thumbs up from his hospital bed as he continues his recovery from a terrible fall at Killarney races last Saturday

Noonan came crashing down from 80-1 outsider Je Suis Celebre in a 2m hurdle race at the Irish course.

Je Suis Celebre crumpled on landing at the third last and appeared to roll over the top of the jockey as he lay on the ground.

Medical staff rushed to Noonan’s side and he was originally knocked out cold.

Fortunately he had regained consciousness by the time he was transferred to Cork University Hospital and the latest update showed him in good spirits.

Noonan was able to give a thumbs up from his bed in a photo posted by agent Gary Cribbin on X.

Cribbin wrote: “Thanks everyone for all the kind calls and messages. No better man to bounce back.”

Noonan’s fall was the second incident to hit Killarney races in three days.

On Thursday, two jockeys, Patrick O’Brien and Joey Dunne, also suffered nasty falls.

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A statement from Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board chief medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh read: “Patrick O’Brien sustained a heavy fall in the sixth race at Killarney this evening which required careful and lengthy medical assessment and treatment.

“I’m pleased to report that Patrick was conscious and moving all limbs when leaving the racecourse.

“Joey Dunne also required a hospital transfer from his fall earlier in the evening.

“Likewise, Joey was conscious and moving all limbs when departing the track.

“On initial assessment, neither of the two riders appear to have sustained any serious spinal or head injuries and both have been transferred to University Hospital Kerry for further assessment and overnight observation.”