A JOCKEY died on Saturday after falling from his horse while competing in a race at Larkhill.

James McNeile, 57, from Devizes, was taking part in the 3.40 at the Larkhill point-to-point course.

As he fell, he collided with a fence and suffered a significant head injury. He was given immediate first aid treatment by the racecourse medical team, including consultants in emergency medicine and intensive care.

Paramedics also attended the scene, but the severity of Mr McNeile's condition soon became apparent, and he was flown by air ambulance to Southampton Hospital.

A closer examination revealed significant brain injuries, and he died on Sunday morning.

A statement issued by the Injured Jockeys Fund on behalf of Mr McNeile's family said: "It is with much regret that we announce today the death of James McNeile, 57, from Devizes, Wiltshire following a fall at Larkhill Point-to-Point Course on Saturday.

"James died competing in a sport he loved, around which he had built his life and some wonderful friendships."

Friends and fellow jockeys paid tribute to Mr McNeile on Facebook and Twitter.

Stefanie Kate Davies said the "amazing jockey" would be sadly missed.

"I will miss (my) old pal James. Thoughts with all his family and friends and amazing horse-racing pals."

Julie Sowerby added: "I am so very sad to hear this tragic news; thoughts with his family and also those at Larkhill who must be so shocked and saddened."

And jockey David Crosse tweeted: "Devastated about my good buddy James McNeile passing. Always smiling and went doing what he loved. May he RIP."

The British Horseracing Authority, in a joint-statement with the Point to Point Authority (PPA), Larkhill Point to Point racecourse and the Committee of the Avon Vale Hunt, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injury incurred by James McNeile.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with his family and friends. The world of horseracing, be it amateur or professional, is a closely-knit community and the entire sport will come together in mourning over this sad accident.

"Racing wouldn't exist without the riders and the horses and that's why it's essential that together we are always looking for ways to protect the stars that are at the centre of our much-loved sport.

"The BHA and Point to Point Authority work in conjunction with all racecourses to ensure that the highest standards are met across all aspects of welfare.

"Tragic incidents such as this are exceptionally rare. However, for athletes competing in any sport, there is an element of risk that cannot be wholly removed."

The BHA said that prior to McNeile's death there had been six recorded fatalities from point-to-point racing in Britain in the last 42 years since 1975.

The governing body added that Larkhill was visited by a BHA course inspector within the last two weeks and "was assessed as compliant with all the necessary racecourse standards".

The BHA statement continued: "The medical facilities at Larkhill racecourse on Saturday were fully compliant with the required standards and included three racecourse doctors and two fully-equipped ambulances with fully-trained paramedics.

"The medical team were treating Mr McNeile within moments of his fall and swiftly ascertained the need for an air ambulance.

"Despite the immediate and extended medical attention the injuries were of such an extent that it was not possible to save his life, and James passed away peacefully in hospital the following day.

"What is important is that, from any incident such as this is, we do all that we can to understand what caused it, and then see if there is anything we can learn from the incident.

"These processes are already under way. All relevant bodies will also assist the police force with any enquiries they may wish to make, and assist the racecourse to carry out a full review of the incident."