Robbie Power sidelined for two weeks after Tramore spill

Robbie Power is facing a couple of weeks on the sidelines after a nasty spill at Tramore on Thursday. The leading rider, who only just returned from injury earlier this month, was unseated from Hand Gruber in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

While Power revealed he suffered no serious injuries from the mishap, he has described himself as being "very sore" and is taking two weeks out.

Power said: "Thankfully there is no major damage - just a lot of swelling and I am very sore. I will be out for a couple of weeks to let everything settle down."

Jockey Matt Griffiths remains in hospital undergoing treatment following a fatal road accident in Somerset this month, with the man who died now named by police.

The single-vehicle crash involving the Grade 1-winning jockey, 31, happened in Exford on October 3 when a BMW collided with a tree.

The passenger, named as 27-year-old Timothy Gill from Exford, died at the scene while Griffiths, who was driving, suffered a serious head injury and was taken to hospital.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "A man who died in a fatal collision on the B3224 at Exford has been formally identified as 27-year-old Timothy Gill from Exford.

"The collision happened at about 8.45pm on Sunday October 3, when the car Mr Gill was a passenger in was involved in a collision with a tree.

"The driver, a 31-year-old man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains undergoing treatment."

Griffiths gained his biggest victory when partnering Dashel Drasher in the Ascot Chase last February, which was his first at Grade 1 level.

Cheltenham sponsorship boost

Cheltenham has received a welcome boost as it prepares for the return of spectators to the course for the first time in 19 months on October 22, with betting giants 888sport to sponsor its two-day Showcase meeting.

Racing at Prestbury Park has been behind closed doors since Gold Cup day on March 13, 2020, when Al Boum Photo became the first horse to win back-to-back Gold Cups since Best Mate.

Next week's racing will feature the 888sport What’s Your Thinking Novices’ Hurdle and 888sport Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase on Friday October 22, with two more 888sport-sponsored handicap chases on Saturday.

Ian Willows, Luca Cumani's globetrotting head lad, dies at the age of 77

Luca Cumani's long serving and much-respected travelling head lad Ian Willows died at his home in Newmarket last Wednesday at the age of 77.

Willows, whose nickname was 'Gonzo', travelled to almost every racing nation bar Australia in his time with Cumani, which spanned nearly 40 years. Most notably, Willows travelled the yard's two Derby winners Kahyasi (1988) and High-Rise (1998) to Epsom.

Ian Willows: much-respected travelling head lad to Luca CumaniCredit: Edward Whitaker

Willows retired from travelling duties in 2009 but stayed on a further five years at Bedford House Stables to look after the yard hacks.

Cumani said: "It's sad news as Ian was the first person I employed when I started training in 1975 and he stayed with me until he retired. He was incredibly good at his job and never gave me a moment's worry wherever he was in the world through all those years. He'd seen it all – Derbys, Japan Cup, Hong Kong and the US."

The funeral will be held at the West Suffolk Crematorium at Bury St Edmunds on October 26 at 2pm.

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