Championship leader Russell taken to hospital after fall

Davy Russell, the early pace setter in the Irish jump jockeys’ championship, has been taken to hospital after a fall at Thurles on Thursday.

The rider was partnering Ronava in the 2m2f handicap chase, when the Richard Cotter-trained nine-year-old fell at the third fence before rolling over the rider on the floor.

Russell was later stood down from his remaining rides and taken to the University Hospital in Waterford for x-rays on his left foot and ankle.

Dr Cormac Mehigan, the Turf Club’s medical officer at Thurles, said: "It's a precautionary x-ray and I wouldn't really say any more until we get the results."

Russell leads Ruby Walsh by four (65-61) at the top of the jockeys’ championship, with Walsh giving up his sole intended ride of the day due to a hand injury.

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