SWINDON Robins star Darcy Ward is in critical condition following a heavy crash in Sunday evening’s speedway heat against Grudziadz in Poland.

The M&S Van Rental Robins No.1, who was racing for Zielona Góra, picked up extra grip off turn four in his second lap of the race, before his front wheel lifted and careered into the back of Artem Laguta’s bike.

Ward landed on his head, and somersaulted towards the wooden fence, narrowly avoiding team mate Patryk Dudek.

Zielona Góra came out on top against GKM Grudziądz, winning 57-33, with Ward top-scoring in heat six and heat eight, but the race was overshadowed by the harrowing news regarding the influential racer.

The club were informed that the speedway star is undergoing surgery on a spinal injury that left him with no lower body feeling at the time, and boss Alun Rossiter admitted racing is the last thing on their minds.

“It’s devastating news, and speedway doesn’t matter at the moment.

“We’ve all been so focused on making the play-offs and winning meetings, but when something like this happens it just brings you back down to earth.

“None of that is important really. I don’t think anyone would have felt like riding.

“Everyone is just thinking of Darcy, and we are hoping he will be OK.”

With heavy rain forecast and with the thoughts of the whole speedway community centred around Ward, Swindon’s trip to Poole was postponed.

Poole promoter Matt Ford gave his support to the rider, saying: “The thoughts of everyone associated with Poole speedway at this time are very much with Darcy and I would like to assure everyone that as a club we will do everything we possibly can for Darcy during this difficult time.”

Darcy is being visited by his former Poole manager Neil Middleditch, who flew out to Poland the following morning, and good friend Chris Holder, also a speedway racer.

“Neil has a very strong relationship with Darcy, and it is important at times like this that Darcy has as much support as possible around him,” added Ford.

“Fans will probably not be surprised to learn that Chris Holder deferred his flight plans back to the UK so that he could divert to Zielona Gora to be with his good friend.”

“There is not much that can be done other than to show Darcy that he has the support of everyone.

“I have been touched learning of the number of messages that have been flooding in for Darcy since the news began to filter through that his injuries were serious.”