Three riders involved in crashes at the Ulster Grand Prix are still receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries.

Crumlin rider Stephen Thompson, English competitor John Tattersall and Ronan Pentony from Drogheda in Co Louth remain in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Thompson, who crashed at Quarterlands in the Supertwin race last Saturday, hopes to be released from hospital on Friday.

The 36-year-old suffered a broken vertebrae and is due to be fitted with a body cast, which he will be required to wear for around six to eight weeks to aid his recovery.

Irish rider Pentony suffered a string of injuries and is facing a lengthy recuperation period after breaking his leg, pelvis wrist and shoulder.

Pentony crashed at high speed at Rock Bends during practice at Dundrod.

English rider Tattersall suffered a serious leg injury, raising concerns that he could lose the limb “as a last resort”.

Tattersall underwent a further operation on Wednesday after suffering the injury following a crash at Dawson’s Bend during practice for the Superbike class.

Ulster Grand Prix Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston, told the News Letter: “Stephen Thompson has a broken vertebrae and is hoping to get out of hospital in the next day or so.

“Ronan Pentony is probably the worst injured as he has a lot of breaks. He’s broke his leg, pelvis, wrist and shoulder.

“Ronan has broken his leg in nine places and it could be a long road to recovery for him.

“John Tattersall went through another operation. He has a bad break but he’s in good form, although he does have a bad injury and it is a possibility he could lose the leg as a last resort,” added Johnston.

“John is in Ward 4C and Ronan is in 5E and I’m sure both would welcome visitors.

“Ronan’s family is some distance away and if anyone was able to pop in and see him for a chat I’m sure he’d appreciate it.”

Magherafelt’s Paul Jordan, who crashed during the 125cc race at Cochranstown during the Dundrod 150 meeting, sustained a broken ankle and has been released from hospital.

The Dundrod 150 meeting was marred by the tragic death of 24-year-old Lee Vernon from Stoke-on-Trent, who died as a result of injuries sustained following a crash at Rock Bends during the Superbike event.



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