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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Murtagh fractures cheekbone

Sun 12th Aug 2012, 17:55

Johnny MurtaghJohnny Murtagh
© Photo Healy Racing

Johnny Murtagh faces a number of weeks on the sidelines after fracturing a small cheekbone when thrown from Lottie Dod prior to the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.

The incident occurred as the former champion was leaving the parade ring, and he was subsequently replaced on the Charles O’Brien-trained filly by Pat Smullen. Pedro The Great recorded a 10/1 surprise in the feature, with Leitir Mor and Lottie Dod completing the placings.

However there was further drama in the six furlongs highlight as the Joseph O’Brien-ridden Cristoforo Colombo slipped up when short of room about a furlong out.

Turf Club doctor Adrian McGoldrick said, “Johnny has fractured a small bone under his eye, and he will have further tests done on a larger cheekbone tomorrow morning which I am a bit concerned about.

“Joseph has a soft tissue injury on his leg. I think he was quite fortunate but he will also have the injury further assessed tomorrow.”

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.