Power sidelined after Sligo fall

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Robbie Power faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a heavy fall in the third race at Sligo today.

Power travelled to the north west for the first action of 2017 at the Sligo track and had a number of rides for trainer Andrew McNamara starting with First Class Ticket in the opener which was edged out in a tight finish by the Eamonn O'Connell-trained Father Mattie.

However, it was in the the third race Power was injured when Jacobs Well crashed out at the first flight with Tony Martin's Toor General and the Brian Cawley-trained Nellie Pledge also departing at that obstacle which was by-passed on the second circuit.

Power received treatment on the course and was helped to the ambulance and then brought to the local hospital.

'Robbie has suffered soft tissue damage to his face and also has some dental injuries, he was eventually able to walk to the ambulance room unaided and has gone to Sligo Hospital for more check-ups. He will be out of action for at least six days,' stated Turf Club medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick 

There was an unexpected bonus for Dunshaughlin jockey Keith Donoghue as a result of the injury sustained by Power as he deputised for his colleague in the next race on board the Paul Flynn-trained Roachdale House which won by a neck from the Roger Loughran-partnered Maudlin Magdalen.

Another Dunshaughlin man was on the mark in the bumper when Danny Benson was on board the Nigel Slevin-trained Royal Zorro won at 25/1 and the

Rathmolyon-based trainer suggested Galway would be on the radar  next.

Another Meath trainer (although he won't like the description as he is a big Dublin supporter and will not admit to any Meath connections - he trains in Stamullen) Peter Casey enjoyed a visit to the number one slot when Eight Till Late won an opportunity handicap hurdle.