Burke out for rest of the season with tendon tears

Jonathan Burke has been left rocked by the news that his season is over after tearing tendons in his right shoulder in a fall at Navan on Sunday.

Burke put a torrid 2016 behind him – when he fractured vertebrae and his fibula in separate falls – to return to the saddle only last month.

He rode a winner at Dundalk last Friday, and "had been building up a bit of momentum," according to his agent Gary Cribbin, but his latest injury means he will be out of action for at least two months.

"He'll get his operation over and done with next week and then we'll concentrate on getting him back for the summer," Cribbin said.

"He hasn't had much luck recently but, as he says himself, it could be a lot worse and he'll come back stronger again.

"I'm gutted for Jonathan but he has a great attitude and that will help him."

More positively, Andrew Lynch, who has been sidelined since last August, is hoping to make his comeback before Cheltenham.

He has missed most of the season after fracturing his arm in a fall at Cork last year, but, following a series of complications, it finally looks as though he will be back in time for the major spring festivals.

Lynch said: "It's been frustrating but I'm going to see the doctor in two weeks' time and hopefully I'll get the all-clear. I've been busy in the gym and can't wait to return."