Darragh O'Keeffe eyeing return from thumb injury before busy Christmas period

Irish conditional jockeys' championship leader Darragh O'Keeffe is aiming to return in time for the major Christmas festivals, currently sidelined through a thumb injury.

The Cork native has enjoyed a season to remember so far, partnering 46 winners and riding out his claim when winning last month's Cork Grand National aboard The Gatechecker.

The 19-year-old has been absent since a fall at the last from Kildorrery in the Grade B EasyFix Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on 30 November but is hoping to return to the saddle in the next two weeks.

O'Keeffe said: "Unfortunately I've injured my thumb but all being well I'll be back in two weeks time. These things happen and I'm looking forward to getting going again ahead of Christmas."

The talented young rider shares second spot with Davy Russell in the overall jockeys' championship standings and leads Kevin Brouder, who has ridden an impressive 31 winners, in the conditional title race.

Frankie Dettori scoops back-to-back World's Best Jockey prizes at Hong Kong gala

Frankie Dettori was crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey for an unprecedented third time at the Hong Kong International Races gala dinner on Friday night.

Dettori was named the world’s best in 2015 and 2018 and completed the hat-trick thanks to 19 Group 1 victories this year.

"I feed off people and I feed off competition," said Dettori after accepting the coveted award.

The jockey added: “I haven’t got too many years left so I love going down memory lane and coming back to the places I love like Hong Kong. We have all got to stick together for the good of the sport. Having good horses to ride is a massive help.”

Enable and Frankie Dettori trot past the grandstands after an emotional Yorkshire Oaks successCredit: Edward Whitaker

King George heroine Enable was singled out for special praise by Dettori.

“Every sport needs a superstar and Enable is that superstar. We have to celebrate horses like her. Let’s carry on the journey for one more year with her and see what she can do,” he said.

Dettori will seek a 20th Group 1 at Sha Tin on Sunday where he has been booked for Young Rascal in the Vase and Danon Smash in the Sprint.

Dugher to take up new role with BGC in spring

Michael Dugher has been appointed the new chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council and is set to take up his role next spring.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) replaced the Remote Gambling Association and the Association of British Bookmakers this year and acts as a gambling industry mouthpiece representing over 90 per cent of the sector, excluding lotteries.

Brigid Simmonds: will work closely with Michael Dugher

A former Labour MP when he served as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Dugher has been CEO of UK Music since May 2017 and will work alongside BGC chair Brigid Simmonds.

Dugher said: “The betting and gaming industry is a hugely significant contributor to the leisure industry, to sport and to the UK economy as a whole. Like many millions of people, I enjoy having a bet. Creating a safe gambling environment will be my top priority.”

The BGC was officially launched last month, and Simmons said: “Michael will bring great leadership, energy and experience and help deliver the ongoing change we need to ensure safe and enjoyable products. We share an ambition to make the UK the safest betting and gaming industry in the world.”

BHA coach Ringrose bags prestigious prize

Racing was among the winners at the UK Coaching Awards on Friday night when Sue Ringrose, a coach educator for the BHA jockey and rider coaching programmes, was named Coach Educator of the Year.

Ringrose, who has worked for the BHA since 2014 but has a 45-year career in the equestrian industry, beat off competition from 324 nominations to be honoured at The Tower Hotel in London.

She said: "It was an absolutely fantastic night and I was overwhelmed to receive such a prestigious award. It's been a great journey to develop coaching within racing over the years and to have that work recognised is hugely rewarding."

Funds soar for late groom

A fundraising page for a groom who died in tragic circumstances in Newmarket on Tuesday has shot to double its initial aim.

James Cronin, who was 38, looked after 2005 Derby hero Motivator and was staying with a friend when he fell down the stairs and suffered a fatal injury.

The Dublin native, who leaves a partner and three young children, had worked for Baroda Stud, whose Tamso Doyle set up the gofundme page, which had raised €49,440 for his family at 3pm on Friday – surging way past the original €20,000 target.

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