Leading rider Sean Flanagan to miss Galway festival after fracturing sternum

Leading rider Sean Flanagan will not ride at this week's Galway festival after fracturing his sternum at Cork on Friday night.

Flanagan, who is number one jockey for the powerful Noel Meade yard, sustained the injury when Lopito, a 33-1 chance for Colin McBratney, slipped up in a 2m4f handicap hurdle.

"I was galloping along fine and the horse just stumbled rounding the bend," Flanagan said of the fall.

"There was nothing anyone could have done and the ground was beautiful on the night in question. It was just one of those things."

He added: "Unfortunately I won't be able to ride at Galway, I'll probably be off for three or four weeks with two sternum fractures.

"The timing obviously isn't ideal and it's frustrating to be missing out on the festival. I was looking forward to some good rides this week but I'll be ready to get back in the swing of things again when the time is right."

Donagh Meyler: Galway Plate-winning rider hoping to return soonCredit: Patrick McCann

Meyler hopeful of being passed fit

The Galway festival has been a happy hunting ground for jockey Donagh Meyler, and he is hopeful of passing a concussion test this week before returning at Ballybrit.

The 24-year-old enjoyed one of his biggest career successes when guiding Gordon Elliott's Lord Scoundrel to success in the 2016 Galway Plate, and reported himself to be good shape after a nasty incident left him briefly unconscious at Tipperary on July 19.

Meyler was trying to throw down a challenge aboard the Tom Cooper-trained Lucky Phil in a 2m1f beginners' chase for mares when falling at the second-last, bringing down the Jessica Harrington-trained Rapid Response in the process.

"Thankfully my body is fine after the fall," Meyler said. "I was knocked out briefly and had to get a couple of stitches in my face. Unfortunately the modelling career is in doubt."

He added: "All being well, I'm hoping to pass a concussion test this week and fingers crossed I'll be back in Ballybrit for the end of the week. It'd be great to get back soon.

"The timing of the knock was unfortunate because things were picking up at the time and the stables that I ride for are in very good form, so hopefully I can get going again shortly."

Read more

Russell aboard Plate favourite Galvin as Mullins and Elliott declare six each

It's Galway like we've never known: where the horses matter more than the hooley

Festival flavour aplenty this week as Goodwood and Galway take centre stage

Place a bet of £1 or more on any UK or Irish race on racingpost.com to watch it live. Click the 'Watch Live' icon at the top of the racecard when it's due to start to watch the full race