A champion jockey who suffered a horrific fall which ended his successful career has been found dead, aged 48..

Czech-born Filip Minarik was champion jockey in Germany four times, enjoying multiple big race success across Europe and in Japan.

His life changed when his horse came down in a race at Hanover in July 2020. He was knocked unconscious and suffered brain and leg injuries.

While he was in a coma in hospital, audio messages from Frankie Dettori and other jockey friends were continually played to him.

The message Dettori sent to Minarik said: “Minarik, you are a f****** miracle!”. When he finally woke up he was told he would never return to the saddle as a result of his brain injury.

The jockey who rode more 1,600 winners in Germany, 14 at Group 1 level, had to learn to walk again.

Minarik who was married with a young daughter had been at the racecourse as recently as the weekend where he attended the meeting at Baden-Baden.

His wife Katja, quoted by GaloppOnline, said: "We have fought so hard, but in the end we lost the battle against the ever-increasing depression. We need time to realise and process what has happened."

He had detailed his struggles with coming to terms with not being part of the riding community.

Speaking to Thoroughbred Racing Commentary earlier this year he said: “I can walk but I am always tired and I have not much balance,” he said. “Walking uses up a lot of power. Every evening after I spend a day out I am wrecked. It’s like my brain lost 20 or 25 per cent of its energy.

“At the races I am happy. At home less so because there is not much to do. Racing was 35 years of my life so I enjoy being among racing people.”

The Prague-born rider had moved away from the racing hub of Cologne to Hanover to be nearer to his wife’s family.

He added: “In Hanover, nothing happens there. Nobody knows who I am and I really miss the racetrack. I always thought I wouldn't need it, but I really need a bit of it.

“Sometimes Frankie Dettori sends me a video or messages on WhatsApp and it really cheers me up. The jockeys’ room was my second home for over 30 years and my heart is still there.”

Among many tributes, leading owner Lars-Willhelm Baumgarten said: "Legends never die. Yesterday my dear friend and champion jockey Filip Minarik decided to end his life.

"Filip, you are still alive in our hearts!"