Leading apprentice Gavin Ryan fractures L2 vertabra in Dundalk fall

Gavin Ryan is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after fracturing his L2 vertebra in a fall at Dundalk on Friday afternoon.

One of the leading apprentices in Ireland, Ryan, who is based with Donnacha O’Brien full-time, was catapulted to the ground after a furlong in the sixth race when his mount, the Luke Comer-trained Guild, appeared to clip heels and stumble.

The race was voided with runners and riders pulling up early in the straight at the end of the second circuit and Ryan was taken to Drogheda Hospital for x-rays.

Speaking on Saturday morning, Ryan said: "I'm feeling good but unfortunately I have fractured my L2 vertabrae. I will be in a back brace for six weeks."

Ryan had already ridden a winner on the card, having been at his best to guide Reverberation home in the opening mile handicap.

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