A jockey was airlifted to hospital when his horse kicked him repeatedly at the Ludlow Hunt Point to Point meeting.

Paul Morris, a 43-year-old rider, from Wolverhampton, was in a horse box getting his mount ready for a race when it lashed out and kicked him several times.

The horse fell on Mr Morris, pinning him to the floor of his horse box. Mr Morris called for help and other people at the event were able to move the horse and free him.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the course at Bitterley, outside Ludlow, and the County Air Ambulance from Cosford was sent.Spokesman Murray MacGregor said: “The man was complaining of left sided chest and arm pain.

“A doctor, who was working at the race, provided initial care until the helicopter arrived. The jockey was immobilised before being airlifted to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton for further assessment and treatment.”

Mr Morris was airlifted to hospital and treated for severe bruising. A spokeswoman for New Cross Hospital said Mr Morris’ injuries had not been serious and he was discharged following treatment.

A spokeswoman for Ludlow Hunt said the event had been a success, despite the incident involving Mr Morris.

She said: “Everyone was aware of the Air Ambulance landing, though not everyone knew about the incident involving Mr Cross. The event was very successful.” She added that people at the event yesterday hoped Mr Cross would make a full and speedy recovery.