Carberry Hoping For Swift Return

Paul Carberry hopes to return to the saddle in two to three weeks after fracturing a bone in his neck at Leopardstown last week.

Carberry sustained the injury after parting company with Church Island in the Ascon/Rohcon Novice Chase on December 28.

Although the Irish jockey was able to ride at Leopardstown the next day, a visit to a specialist on Tuesday confirmed he would be out of action for at least a fortnight.

'Things aren´t too bad with it so I should be back in two or three weeks,' said Carberry.

'I saw him (the specialist) this week and I´ve got to go back to see how things are progressing.

'I´m not in that much pain - I´ve had worse injuries.'

The injury has denied Carberry the chance of partnering crack novice Iktitaf in the Anglo Irish Bank Corporate Treasury Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

Noel Meade´s charge, who won the Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse last month, will now be ridden by Tony McCoy.

'It´s a shame I can´t ride him (Iktitaf) but I´m sure Tony will do a good job,' added Carberry.

'He´s a really nice horse and I think he can go on to do good things this season.'

(C) PA Sport