Racing: Injury misery for Murphy

TIMMY MURPHY, who must suffer the frustration of his former partner See More Business starting favourite for Boxing Day's King George VI Chase under a new jockey, Joe Tizzard, is to take a week's rest from riding after suffering a fall at Lingfield on Friday.

Murphy and his mount, Eurobond, were out of contention in a novice hurdle when taking a crashing fall at the second-last flight. "I'm just feeling a bit sore," Murphy, who has lost his position as principal rider for Paul Nicholls's stable, said. "There's nothing broken but I have hurt an old injury and I'm uncomfortable around my ribs and shoulders. I'm looking forward to coming back on Boxing Day."

Kieren Fallon continued his good run in Hong Kong on Saturday by landing a double at Sha Tin on Sar Tourism and the well-named Grand Start. Britain's champion has now ridden five winners in the territory since his three- month stint began at the start of December.

Michael Hills, another jockey on a three-month contract, was also among the winners aboard Always Cheerful in a 10-furlong handicap. This took Hills on to the three-winner mark.

The all-weather card on Lingfield's Equitrack provides the only racing in Britain today as the meeting at Kelso has fallen victim to frost. "Unfortunately it's unraceable, particularly in the straight, and it's already starting to freeze," the clerk of the course, Johnnie Fenwicke-Clennell, said.