Stars rally round injured trainer

Mr Alner trained the 1998 Gold Cup winner, Cool Dawn

A trust fund in aid of a Dorset trainer who broke a bone in his neck in a car crash has been launched.

Robert Alner suffered life-threatening injuries after his car collided with a telegraph pole in Dorset last November.

Many of the biggest names in jump racing were at the fund's launch and the trainer's wife Sally said the family were "deeply touched".

"Both of us are overwhelmed by all the support Robert has received since his accident," she said.

"People have been amazing and the Injured Jockeys Fund has been there for Robert from day one.

"We can't thank everyone enough for all their efforts and are deeply touched that a fund has been set up for him."

Alner's long-time stable jockey Andrew Thornton is one of the trustees.

He said: "There are lots of practical things we can do to make Robert's life a little easier when he resumes back at the yard.

"Unfortunately most of them cost money. That's why we are launching a fund to help him."

Alner, 64, suffered serious neck injuries in the accident and is continuing to make steady progress at Odstock Hospital, near Salisbury.

The Robert Alner Fund has already been boosted by contributions from a dinner dance at Cheltenham racecourse in January.

Lambourn trainer Charlie Mann is organising a golf day on 30 June while champion trainer Paul Nicholls handed over his winning percentage from his hunter chase victories this season.

A special ball at Wincanton racecourse on 11 October is also planned.