JOCKEY Shane Broderick remains seriously ill in Dublin's Mater hospital with neck and spinal injuries.

His condition is "unchanged" according to Turf Club medical officer Dr Walter Halley who said yesterday: "We don't know the full extent of his injuries and we won't know until the swelling of his spinal cord goes down. That will take time."

Halley confirmed that Broderick (22) is on a life support machine but added that such a procedure is normal in these situations.

Remarkably the Co Tipperary jockey, whose horror fall from Another Deadly at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday shocked the racing world, is reported to be in good saints.

Broderick's agent Patsy Lynch has been by his side throughout the ordeal and he said yesterday: "Shane is in good spirits. He knows and recognises everyone that comes into see him. He nods, smiles, and shakes his head. Paul Carberry has just been to see him and the place is crowded with lots of other people from racing.

"The doctors can't do anything until the swelling goes down and we can't say when that will happen. Time is a great healer though and Shane has a chance," Lynch added.

Tom Doran owner of the best horse Broderick has ridden, Dorans Pride, also visited yesterday and he said: "I thought Shane looked a lot brighter today. His mother was with him at the same time and when she prodded Shane's shoulder he could feel it."