Leading jockey to miss Cheltenham

Top jumps jockey Barry Geraghty has been ruled out of the famous Cheltenham Festival after suffering a collapsed lung and six broken ribs in a fall at Kempton Park .

The rider was taken to hospital for examination following the fall on Saturday and originally told At The Races he had a “slightly collapsed lung and a cracked rib” and he hoped to be back for Cheltenham

But further tests revealed the full extent of his injuries.

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“I’ve a collapsed lung and six broken ribs on my right side. I’m obviously devastated to miss the Festival – there were so many good horses to look forward to,” he said.

“I’ve broken ribs individually before but never had six go all at the same time. I’ll be in hospital for a few more days but once the lung improves my recovery should be straightforward and I expect to be back for Aintree.”

Geraghty had a host of big rides to look forward to at the Festival where he has ridden 34 winners.