Brian Hayes will try to return to action in time for the Punchestown Festival at the end of next month after fracturing his pelvis in a schooling fall at Henry de Bromhead's stables last Friday.

The jump jockey faces at least six weeks on the sidelines but will aim to be back in the saddle for the important five-day fixture at the County Kildare course that starts on April 26th.

"He has a fractured pelvis and will be off for between six to eight weeks," said theTurf Club's senior medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick.

"Hopefully we'll get him back for Punchestown.

"I spoke to him this morning and he's fine."