Lee Johnston gives thumbs-up from hospital bed after Spring Cup crash

The East Coast Racing rider came off in the feature race, bringing out the red flag.

Johnston, one of the big favourites for this year’s international road races at the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix, is believed to have suffered a leg injury.

However, the Northern Ireland rider is in good spirits and has given the thumbs-up from his hospital bed. It is not yet known how long Johnston will be ruled out of action.

The Spring Cup meeting was abandoned after the restart when Manx rider Billy Redmayne was injured in a serious crash.

A statement issued by the organisers on Sunday night said: “Billy Redmayne, the rider involved in the incident during the Bob Smith Spring Cup Race at Oliver’s Mount, has been taken by airmed to Middlesbrough Hospital where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.

“He is now breathing on his own and his condition is improving.”