Champion jumps jockey Tony McCoy will miss the prestigious Punchestown Festival after sustaining broken ribs in a fall at Cheltenham on Thursday.
McCoy, who will pick up his 18th jockeys’ championship title next weekend, fell from Quantitativeeasing in the Barbury International Horse Trials Handicap Hurdle when the horse stumbled at the second flight.
Following assessment at the track, McCoy was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where X-rays revealed he had suffered broken ribs.
The jockey’s personal assistant Gee Bradburne said McCoy remained in hospital and was still very sore.
“He has broken a few ribs and was being accessed by the doctor when I spoke to him,” Bradburne said.
“Because of the discomfort, he is still under observation and the doctor will let him go home when he is happy with him.
“He will be too sore to ride at Punchestown next week.”
