Buick set for spell on sidelines after scan reveals T12 fracture

William Buick will be out for at least another six weeks after scans revealed the Godolphin jockey suffered a T12 compression fracture when falling from the ill-fated Permian at Arlington last Saturday.

He will miss the St Leger meeting at Doncaster and Irish Champions Weekend, with the Arc meeting in jeopardy, although he accepts he has been fortunate in escaping what could have been more serious injuries.

Buick said: “After seeing my specialist I can confirm I have a T12 compression fracture after my fall at Arlington last Saturday, which sadly saw Permian lose his life.

“He will be sorely missed, and my condolences go to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan and the team at Mark Johnston racing.

"I will have the injury re-scanned in six weeks' time and will know more then.

"While I'm disappointed to be missing a large chunk of the season, I have plenty of respect for the injury and realise how lucky I’ve been.”

Buick suffered the injury in being unseated from Permian when the Dante and King Edward VII Stakes winner broke his left foreleg as he crossed the line in last place in the Secretariat Stakes.

The jockey, quoted on Godolphin's website, singled out several individuals who helped him in his immediate recovery in the US.

He said: "I would like to thank all the well-wishers and everyone who helped me immediately after the accident at Arlington Park, including [assistant trainer] Charlie Johnston, Jimmy Bell [president of Godolphin America], Chris Connett [Godolphin's travelling head lad], and all the doctors at the hospital in Chicago, and the whole racing community."

He added: "I would also like to thank my family and friends and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for their support.”