Speedway: Motorcycling star hurt in crash

National champion speedway motorcyclist Sam Taylor is in the spinal injury unit of Christchurch's Burwood Hospital after crashing at Arena Manawatu. The injury has cost the 23-year-old a place in Britain's first division Swindon team, and he is not sure if he will race again.

Palmerston North speedway organiser Harold Sergent said the Australian-based Taylor slipped going into the pit corner and fell, crashing backwards into the concrete wall.

Taylor, originally from Christchurch, holds the long and short-track New Zealand titles.