Irish apprentice Robbie Downey taken to hospital after Dundalk fall

Apprentice rider Robbie Downey was taken to hospital for full spinal precautionary checks following an incident in the final race on Thursday evening's card at Dundalk but appears to have escaped serious injury.

The 22-year-old was momentarily unconscious following a fall from Miss Mirabeau but was reportedly speaking as he was escorted from the track via ambulance on a stretcher. Later tests conducted at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda returned all clear.

Turf Club chief medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said: "Robbie suffered a loss of consciousness after the fall but was fully alert within about a minute, having been attended to by Dr Richard Downey and Dr Antonia Lehane.

"He was transported to hospital for full spinal precautionary checks and I have just spoken with Robbie, he was very alert."

McGoldrick added late on Thursday night: "We are awaiting a decision as to whether or not they will keep him in for observation, I suspect he will be let home."

The incident took place inside the final two furlongs when Miss Mirabeau appeared to be short of racing room before stumbling and unseating Downey. Another runner then seemed to make contact with the jockey while on the ground.

The Keith Clarke-trained Miss Mirabeau, who was making her first start in Ireland since joining from Sir Mark Prescott earlier this month, galloped away from the incident apparently unscathed.

A Kilcock, County Meath native, Downey is attached to trainer Eddie Lynam and will be set for a minimum of six days out of action through concussion protocol, although it is likely to be longer before Dr McGoldrick is in a position to assess him.

This year the 3lb claimer has enjoyed success in the Connacht Oaks aboard Jeremys Joy and won a Dundalk sprint handicap aboard Harry Redknapp's Moviesta.