McKeown Breaks Collarbone

Dean McKeown expects to be sidelined for about a month after breaking a collarbone in a fall at Ripon.

He sustained the injury when Isidore Bonheur clipped heels with another runner and fell heavily two furlongs out in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Handicap on Monday.

'I've fractured my right clavicle. My right wrist is twisted and swollen and my right hand is badly bruised. It's just one of those things,' said McKeown, 47.

'I damaged my clavicle two years ago and rode Collier Hill to win the Irish St Leger about a week later. This looks a different injury. That one was closer to the neck but this one is closer to the shoulder.

'I don't know exactly how long I'll be out for but I'd be surprised if it was much more than a month.'

McKeown hopes to be 100% fit should Collier Hill bid for a second success in the Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh on September 15.

'I'll try and get back before then. Collier Hill hasn't run this year but if everything is right with him and I'm OK then I'm sure I'll be back for then,' he added.

'I've broken my collarbone three times so it's something I know how to deal with.

'Instead of having it strapped up and being incapacitated I don't stop using the shoulder. The main problem you have is muscle wastage if you are strapped up.

'I keep using my shoulder. I do get pain but as soon as the bone is mended I shall be OK to go again.'

McKeown plans to devote more time to his bloodstock business while he is out of the saddle.

'I'm off to the Keeneland Sales in September so I shall do a bit of advertising and some chasing about before then and get some orders,' continued the North Yorkshire-based rider.

'Last year I bought the filly Loch Jipp, who has won the Hilary Needler and run well in Group races. The previous year I bought Big Timer, who won the Acomb Stakes at York.'

(C) PA Sport