Hughes has fractured vertebrae Richard Hughes will not require surgery despite fracturing a vertebrae in a nasty fall at Meydan on Saturday. The champion jockey was partnering the Mike de Kock-trained Mars in the Dubai Sheema Classic when his mount crashed through the far rail after running just a couple of furlongs, throwing Hughes over the top as he tried to pull him up. Mars reportedly suffered a heart attack in the incident. Hughes' wife Lizzie said on Twitter: "Richard has a stable fracture of one vertebrae, no pain at all, just rest needed and no surgery needed #lucky."
