Injured top jockeys to miss Cheltenham

Racing

Racing

GREG WOOD

Norman Williamson and Adrian Maguire, two of the country's top jump jockeys, will miss the Cheltenham Festival after suffering injuries yesterday. Williamson dislocated his right shoulder - his third serious injury in an ill-starred season - on the gallops yesterday morning, while Maguire broke his right collar-bone in a fall at Newbury a few hours later.

Maguire, who also missed last year's Festival following the death of his mother, was due to partner Viking Flagship and Zabadi, favourites for the Champion Chase and Triumph Hurdle respectively, at the three-day meeting which opens a week on Tuesday.

Williamson, who completed the Gold Cup/Champion Hurdle double on Master Oats and Alderbrook 12 months ago, would have gone to Cheltenham with every chance of doing so again.

Williamson's shoulder had previously been dislocated in a fall at Newbury three weeks ago during his first ride in Britain since breaking his leg at Sedgefield in October. The shoulder must now be operated on and he seems sure to miss the remainder of the season. Maguire, though, will hope to return in time for the Grand National meeting at Aintree, which begins on 28 March.

"He will be sent home with painkillers and vigorous physiotherapy," Dr Michael Turner, the Jockey Club's chief medical officer, said. "These things usually take 21 days. It depends on the break."

Maguire's injury occurred at the water jump when his mount, Smiling Chief, slipped on landing and fired him into the turf as well as bringing down two following horses. He lay on the ground for several minutes before being helped to an ambulance, grasping his shoulder. At the Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon, X-rays confirmed that his collar-bone was broken.

With 10 days to go to the festival, the search for replacements began immediately. Richard Dunwoody, the champion jockey may come in for the ride on Alderbrook, if other commitments permit, while Charlie Swan is expected to take over on Viking Flagship. Jamie Osborne is likely to partner Master Oats, while Tony McCoy, Dunwoody's heir apparent, may also pick up some prime rides.

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