Cawley targets Aintree return after horror fall

Alain Cawley has been told Aintree’s Grand National meeting is a realistic target for his return as he recovers from multiple injuries suffered when two horses rolled on top of him.

The 29-year-old suffered 80 per cent nerve damage to his left shoulder, which was fractured and dislocated when his mount Surf And Turf and Notarfbad landed on him in a fall at Kempton in October.

As well as ligament damage Cawley also dislocated his right shoulder, and the rider said in the wake of visiting a specialist on Monday: “He just kept reminding me how close it was to a career-ending injury.

“I think I was pretty lucky to get away from it. The two horses came down and rolled on top of me. The margins are very small.”

Key visit

Cawley, whose strike-rate of 11 wins from 70 rides this season before his fall was his best in Britain, added: “I’m at Oaksey House four days a week and won’t be riding out before my next visit to the specialist.

“I’m going back to see him in four weeks and we'll go from there. My goal is to get back for Aintree and it won’t be for the lack of trying. The specialist said that was a very realistic target to go for.”

Moore waiting

Josh Moore has had his comeback put on hold for at least another two weeks after seeing a specialist about his troublesome shoulder.

Moore, who dislocated his shoulder at Huntingdon on Boxing Day, was hoping to ride out this week and still hopes to be back in good time for Cheltenham.

He said: "I've been told to take another two weeks to do some gym work to build my strength back up. Hopefully after another check-up I'd be able to ride out again in two to three weeks."