Dr Walter Halley, former chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club and a member of the jockey's family, said: "The situation is that he has been weaned off the medically induced coma, is off the ventilator and is breathing under his own steam. He is using an oxygen mask, but that is procedure in this case.

"He has full movement of both upper and lower limbs and is obeying commands.

"He is still being monitored and will be for some time to come, but this is a huge improvement and of great relief to his family.

"His family are very grateful for all the cards and messages, but no visitors are allowed at the moment - it is family only.

"His evacuation from Thurles was difficult, to put it mildly, and the Garda and all those concerned at the course did a fantastic job in the circumstances."