Armytage shows the resolve for comeback
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gee Armytage enters hospital today to have the operation which she hopes will allow her to partner Merry Master in the Grand National. The jockey will have the four metal rods which have been holding together her lower back removed at Hinchingbrook Hospital, near Huntingdon. On Saturday she will be watching on television as Merry Master makes his seasonal debut in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster.
Armytage, 30, came perilously close to being paralysed when she smashed her back in a fall from Highland Flame at Huntingdon last March. Explaining why she is prepared to risk life and limb again, she said: "Financially, my racing career is over and I know I'll eventually have to find something else. But I love it. It keeps me going and is something to work at.
"While I can understand jockeys who finish because they have lost their nerve, unfortunately my nerve is totally undamaged. I'm afraid my heart is still in it even if my body is not."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments