News roundup: Fox-Pitt out of intensive care : ex-champion jockeys on the move
The condition of former world number one eventer and British Olympian William Fox-Pitt has improved. He has been in hospital in France since a fall on October 17 at the Lion d'Angers World Young Horses Championships.
He suffered a head injury and has been in an induced coma. On Monday (October 26) a statement on his website said "...he is conscious, breathing on his own and communicating with his family and doctors, however he is still very ill".
On Friday (October 30) it was announced that: "William's condition has improved enough for him to be moved out of the intensive care unit. He remains in hospital in France."
Fox-Pitt's horse Reinstated was unharmed by the fall.
AP McCoy
Twenty-time champion jump jockey, AP McCoy is to join the Channel 4 Racing team. His exclusive contract begins this month - to coincide with the start of the jump season.
He will certainly be part of the Channel 4 Racing presenting team for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 28.
AP McCoy and his family live near Lambourn - and he is part-owner of Manton's Outside Chance pub and restaurant.
Richard Hughes
Finally, flat racing's former champion jockey Richard Hughes who was based near Marlborough and rode mainly for the Richard Hannon yard, has moved his new training operation to Lambourn.
After retiring as a jockey in the summer, he was setting up a training yard at Stockbridge just over the border in Hampshire. Now he has moved his horses and staff to Lambourn.
He will be using the Weathercock House yard - one-time base of jump trainer Jenny Pitman. His string of horses moved in on Saturday (October 31.)
Hughes told the Racing Post: "I've been around all the gallops and I'm very pleased with what I've seen...The whole area has a very positive feel to it and I'm looking forward to being part of it."