A WELL-known jump jockey is in a critical condition after the car he was driving hit a tree on Exmoor.

The 27-year-old passenger in the BMW 430 driven by Matt Griffiths sadly died in the single-vehicle crash at Exford on Sunday (October 3) at about 8.45pm.

Mr Griffiths, 31, is in a critical condition in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, after suffering a serious head injury.

The Injured Jockeys Fund has issued a statement on behalf of his family.

In it they say: "There was a fatal car accident near Exford on Exmoor.

"Matt Griffiths was involved in this and having been taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol is now in a stable but critical condition.

"His family have asked for privacy at this difficult time."

Mr Griffiths has his first ride in 2009 and has won 139 of the 1,300 races he has appeared in.

His last appearance was in Worcester at the end of last month.

He had been due to ride at Chepstow this Friday.

READ MORE: Fatal road collision at Exford