Nicola Wilson still in intensive care but ‘in good spirits’ after Badminton fall

British Equestrian said last week that Wilson had suffered “several spinal fractures” but did not require surgery.

Andrew Baldock
Tuesday 17 May 2022 04:42 EDT
Nicola Wilson competes on JL Dublin during the Cross Country on day four of the Badminton Horse Trials (Steve Parsons/PA)
Nicola Wilson competes on JL Dublin during the Cross Country on day four of the Badminton Horse Trials (Steve Parsons/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nicola Wilson remains in intensive care but “comfortable and in good spirits” at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital following a cross-country fall during the Badminton Horse Trials.

The European individual eventing champion, 45, fell from her horse JL Dublin 10 days ago.

A statement posted on her official website read: “Nicola is at Southmead Hospital in Bristol following her fall from JL Dublin at Badminton Horse Trials on Saturday 7th May.

She remains comfortable and in good spirits.

Nicola Wilson statement

“Nic is still in intensive care, and is expected to remain there for the next week to 10 days before being moved to a spinal unit closer to home.

“She remains comfortable and in good spirits.

“‘Dubs’ (JL Dublin) is happy and content, and is enjoying the sunshine and the spring grass.”

British Equestrian said last week that Wilson had suffered “several spinal fractures” but did not require surgery.

Wilson, who is from Northallerton in North Yorkshire, won European individual and team gold aboard JL Dublin in Switzerland last year.

She was also a member of Great Britain’s silver medal-winning team at the London 2012 Olympics.

Badminton cross-country action was watched by a crowd of more than 100,000 as the event returned following a three-year absence.

Laura Collett and London 52 claimed a first Badminton win, with world champion Ros Canter finishing second and Collett’s Tokyo Olympics team gold medal-winning colleague Oliver Townend taking third.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in