Dave Crosse out of action for three months after fracturing thumb at Huntingdon

Dave Crosse is facing three months on the sidelines after fracturing his right thumb in a fall at Huntingdon on Monday.

Crosse, who last year enjoyed his most successful season since 06/07 in terms of winners, sustained the injury when he was unseated close home in the concluding bumper when his mount, Edabean, veered right and jumped over the rails and onto the chase course.

Speaking on Tuesday while awaiting surgery, Crosse said: "I've a Bennett's fracture of the thumb in my right hand and will be out for three months.

Dave Crosse stats

"I'm getting some wires and screws put in. I've had nothing like this before but it's very frustrating as it's going to be three months out for what looks like a very small bone. It's hard to deal with mentally when it's that long out for a small bone.

"I've spoken to Noel Fehily and Mark Grant who have had similar injuries and they said definitely get it right as otherwise it'll keep coming back."

In addition to race-riding Crosse – who last month revealed he is a diabetic having kept the condition secret for 13 years out of fears for his career – is also a jockey coach and does raceday hospitality, so will not be short of work while on the sidelines.

He added: "It gives me a chance to catch up on my jockey coaching and I do a lot of hospitality at the racing in the summer, so I'll still be flat out.

Kilfilum Cross: one of the best horses Dave Crosse has riddenCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"And I've got some nice horses to look forward to next season, like Kilfilum Crossof Kim Bailey's, who is potentially one of the best horses I've ever ridden."

Sheehan back on Friday

Gavin Sheehan is hoping to make his return on Friday having recovered from a fractured arm suffered when Final Nudge came down at the Canal Turn in the Grand National.

He said: "I'm hoping to be back at Market Rasen. I've been riding out the last couple of days and the arm's feeling good. I've been doing plenty of work at Oaksey House.

"It was frustrating to miss winners but injury is part and parcel of the game."

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