National Hunt jockey Matt Griffiths injured in fatal road crash
Getty ImagesA National Hunt jockey has been seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash that also left one man dead.
The passenger of a BMW car - a 27-year-old man - died when it hit a tree near the B3224 at Exford, Exmoor, on Sunday at about 20:45 BST.
The driver Matt Griffiths, 31, was taken to hospital with a critical head injury. The jockey is thought to be in a stable condition.
Avon and Somerset Police is appealing for information and witnesses.
A spokesperson for the Injured Jockeys Fund said: "There was a fatal car accident yesterday near Exford on Exmoor.
"National Hunt jockey Matt Griffiths was involved in this and having been taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, is now in a stable but critical condition.
"His family have asked for privacy at this difficult time."
Irish National Hunt jockey Daryl Jacob spoke of a "sombre day" being felt in the weighing room at the Huntingdon Season Opener Juvenile Hurdle on Tuesday.
He said: "It's not about the racing today. Matt Griffiths is the one we should be concerned about...
"Matt is a great friend and a real character. It just brings it home and brings you back to reality. I just wish him and his family all the best."
'Shocking'
He added: "Our condolences also go out to the family of the person who passed away."
Former champion jockey Brian Hughes echoed the thoughts of Jacob after winning the Welcome Back To Huntingdon Racecourse Handicap Chase aboard Larch Hill for Adam Pogson.
He said: "It is shocking to hear and I'm very sorry for Matt and his family, and the family of the poor man who lost his life.
"Matt is a great lad and a great jockey and is just a really nice fellow. He is still fighting and fingers crossed he pulls through."
Griffiths partnered Dashel Drasher to success in the Grade One Ascot Chase in February for trainer Jeremy Scott, who has been his biggest supporter.
It was the culmination of a three-race winning streak at Ascot for the pair, who beat Master Tommytucker by two lengths.
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