James Doyle hopes to be back in 3 weeks

Injured Godolphin jockey James Doyle is upbeat he will be back riding in three weeks after a positive medical report.

Doyle broke a bone in his hand in a fall from Pearls at Randwick on Monday and the initial assessment was at least a month out of the saddle.

But after an appointment with Racing NSW orthopaedic surgeon David Duckworth on Wednesday, Doyle said his recovery was expected to take three weeks.

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“Very positive morning with Racing NSW Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Duckworth-extremely encouraging. Aim is to be back within 3 weeks,” Doyle tweeted.

He will, however, miss the ride on Hartnell in Sydney’s first Group One race of the year, the Chipping Norton stakes at Randwick on March 4.

Hartnell finished second to champion Winx in Monday’s Group Two Apollo Stakes and will clash with the mare again in the Chipping Norton.

Doyle was recruited to Australia from England by Godolphin to replace former retained rider James McDonald when he was banned for a betting offence late last year..