Doyle expected to be out for three weeks with broken hand

James Doyle, Godolphin's number one jockey in Australia, will miss less time than feared after breaking his hand in a fall.

Doyle was initially thought to be facing at least a month on the sidelines after suffering the injury aboard Pearls at Randwick on Monday. However, he had positive news after meeting with Racing New South Wales orthopaedic surgeon David Duckworth.

The jockey tweeted: "Very positive morning with Racing NSW orthopaedic surgeon Dr Duckworth – extremely encouraging. Aim is to be back within three weeks."

Doyle will still miss the marquee ride on Hartnell, who is due to take on star mare Winx in the Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick a week on Saturday.

Dual Group 1-winner Hartnell has twice finished runner-up to Winx in the Cox Plate and the Apollo Stakes, in the latter with Doyle aboard.

Doyle has been based in Australia since late last year, when James McDonald was released from his contract as Godolphin’s number one Australian-based jockey after he was banned 18 months for having breached betting regulations.