Flat jockey Sullivan sidelined after fall over hurdles at Lingfield

James Sullivan can expect to spend at least a couple of weeks out of action after fracturing a rib and suffering concussion in a fall at Lingfield on Tuesday.

Sullivan, who has enjoyed a landmark 2017 thanks in no small part to his fruitful relationship with veteran miler Sovereign Debt, came down two flights from home when leading the Flat jockeys' handicap hurdle.

"He had some concussion and broke a rib but they let him out of the hospital on Tuesday night and I don't think it's too bad all told," said Sullivan's agent Richard Hale on Wednesday.

"I spoke to him and he was pretty bright. The concussion would keep him out for a while anyway and, while it's difficult to say with the rib, I'd have thought it will be two or three weeks."

Sullivan has amassed 55 wins for the year on the Flat but Hale was philosophical about the unusual nature of his client's accident.

"James did plenty of schooling at home and has always been keen to have a crack at jumping," said Hale. "He told me he he was having a great spin up until it happened and, let's face it, he was going best and would have won."

Jacob to face hearing over 'silks pulling' incident

A disciplinary panel will on Thursday consider whether Daryl Jacob breached the rules surrounding improper conduct when allegedly shouting at amateur rider Noel George and then tugging on his silks at Cheltenham in October.

Raceday stewards cautioned George – son of trainer Tom – for careless riding after changing his line on KK Lexion approaching the final flight of a handicap hurdle, leaving Jacob and his mount Creep Desbois short of room.

Daryl Jacob faces a disciplinary hearing on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Graham Gibbons, meanwhile, has appealed against his two-year ban, an appeal to be heard at the BHA on Monday.

Gibbons was suspended for two years for swapping urine samples and was also handed a concurrent six month entry-level ban after testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine.

Gibbons admitted both charges at the original hearing on October 5 but is appealing the severity of the sentence.