‘They couldn’t keep me in a coma’ The miraculous recovery of brave jockey Clifford Lee from an injury ‘that could have taken someone else’s life’ and his plans to return to racing despite having fractured his spine in four places just two months prior.

In the world of horse racing, where split-second decisions and sheer bravery define the sport, few stories capture the essence of resilience quite like that of Clifford Lee.

The 29-year-old jockey, who has risen to prominence as the stable rider for trainer Karl Burke, faced a life-threatening ordeal in late October 2025 that could have ended his career—or worse.

Yet, just two months later, Lee is not only on the mend but eyeing a remarkable return to the saddle as early as February or March 2026.

The accident occurred during what was meant to be a relaxing family holiday in Scotland. Lee, fresh off his most successful season to date, was serving a brief suspension and had taken a break following a triumphant year that saw him ride 94 winners in Britain alone.

His horses amassed over £2.3 million in prize money, highlighted by his first Group 1 victory aboard the filly Venetian Sun in the prestigious Prix Morny at Deauville in August.

Additional big-race successes included triumphs on horses like Al Qareem, Convergent, and Royal Champion, cementing Lee’s status as one of the top flat jockeys in the country.

Tragedy struck on a dirt track in Scotland when Lee was riding a cross-country motorbike at low speed—reportedly less than ten miles per hour. The bike unexpectedly flipped, causing him to land heavily on his head. Despite the seemingly minor circumstances, the impact was devastating.

Lee immediately knew something was gravely wrong. He removed his helmet and instructed his brother to call an ambulance, a decision that likely saved his life.

Scans revealed he had fractured his C1 vertebra—the top bone in the spine—in four places, along with a dangerous blood clot at the back of his neck that impeded his breathing.

Rushed to a hospital in Edinburgh, Lee underwent an emergency tracheotomy to secure his airway and was placed in an induced coma for two days to stabilize his condition.

The racing community held its breath as updates trickled in from trainer Karl Burke, who described the fall as a “horrible” and “nasty” incident. Early reports confirmed Lee was in intensive care, with fears mounting over the potential long-term consequences of such a high neck injury.

Burke noted that while Lee could move his arms and legs, the full extent of the damage was unclear, and surgery to pin the fractures was planned.

Miraculously, Lee’s fighting spirit shone through even in his darkest hours. He emerged from the induced coma sooner than expected, a testament to his physical strength and determination.

As he later reflected in his first public comments to the Racing Post, the injury was one “that could have taken someone else’s life.” He acknowledged being “very fortunate,” emphasizing how other people might not have survived the same trauma.

The blood clot and breathing issues compounded the severity, leaving him unable to eat or speak properly for weeks due to the tracheotomy.

Lee spent more than three weeks in hospital, initially fitted with a halo brace to immobilize and stabilize his neck during healing. The recovery process was grueling, involving speech therapy and gradual rehabilitation. Yet, by mid-December 2025, he was home, discharged from therapy, and speaking openly about his ordeal.

The jockey’s positive mindset has been a driving force; even in the immediate aftermath, Burke reported him to be in “good spirits” as he progressed.

What makes Lee’s story truly inspirational is his unwavering focus on the future. Despite the fractures in one of the most critical areas of the spine, doctors have cleared a path for recovery without apparent permanent paralysis or major neurological damage—a outcome many would deem miraculous given the injury’s location.

Lee has expressed relief at being on the mend and gratitude for the medical care he received. More importantly, he harbors ambitious plans to resume riding competitively.

Targeting a comeback in early 2026, Lee aims to reclaim his position in the Burke yard and build on his breakthrough 2025 season. His partnership with the Middleham-based trainer has been pivotal to his success, transforming him from a talented apprentice into a Group 1-winning professional.

Born in Kent to non-racing parents—a handyman father and cleaner mother—Lee’s journey began at the British Racing School in Newmarket before he relocated north nearly a decade ago. His tactical acumen, particularly in major handicaps like back-to-back Cambridgeshire wins, has earned widespread admiration.

The racing world has rallied around Lee, with fans and colleagues flooding social media with messages of support. His resilience echoes the dangers inherent in the sport, reminding everyone of the courage jockeys display not just on the track but off it.

As Lee prepares for his return, wearing the halo brace as a temporary badge of survival, he embodies the unyielding spirit that defines horse racing’s finest.

In his own words, reflecting on waking from the coma, the medical team “couldn’t keep me in a coma”—a defiant statement from a man determined to defy the odds once more.

With the all-weather season underway and the turf campaign on the horizon, Lee’s potential return will be eagerly anticipated. If his recovery continues on this trajectory, he could soon be back thrilling crowds with his skillful rides.

Clifford Lee’s story is far from over; it’s a powerful narrative of survival, strength, and the unbreakable will to race again.