Stable lads' injury toll revealed

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Adrian Johnston suffered a broken back when he was thrown from his horse

The dangers of life as a stable lad - and the financial difficulties that can be caused by injury - have been revealed in a BBC inquiry.

The charity, Racing Welfare, working with BBC Look East, claimed more stable lads in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are running into difficulties.

The investigation highlighted one case said to be typical of many in racing.

Former lad Adrian Johnston was told never to ride again after breaking his back in a fall from a horse.

Chris Wall says the working lives of stable lads has actually become harder

He received no compensation and two weeks' sick pay.

The Charity Racing Welfare said it was helping Mr Johnston and more people like him than ever before.

The charity said they do a dangerous, tough and responsible job.

The race horses they ride, train and look after can weigh half a tonne and in some cases cost millions of pounds.

Trainer Chris Wall said: "One of the biggest problems in Newmarket is the lack of suitable accommodation, particularly for young staff.

"It has become a tougher job."