Townend avoids ankle break in Killultagh Vic fall but must wait for all-clear

Paul Townend has received a timely boost following his last-fence exit from Killultagh Vic in the Unibet Irish Gold as x-rays on his ankle have come back clear. However, the rider must go for an MRI scan to further assess the damage.

Townend, who won Grade 1s at the Dublin Racing Festival aboard Footpad and Mr Adjudicator, was stood down after the fall on Killultagh Vic – who looked the most likely winner – and brought to St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin for an x-ray on his ankle.

Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board chief medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said: "The x-rays on Paul's ankle have come back clear and it does not look as bad as we initially feared, although I have sent him for an MRI scan as the ligaments in his ankle are swollen and there could be a little tear there. We will know more on Wednesday."

Willie Mullins will certainly be hoping the MRI scan shows nothing too serious as he is already without number one jockey Ruby Walsh, who continues to recover from a broken leg. Walsh hopes to be back for the Cheltenham Festival next month.

David Mullins appears third choice at Closutton at present after guiding Min to victory in the Coral Dublin Chase.

McGoldrick also had good news about Mark Enright, who partnered Off You Go to victory in the Coral Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday but was unseated on Landofhopeandglory on Sunday.

"Mark got a kick to his right kidney and his left elbow is swollen but he should be fine in a few days," said McGoldrick.

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