Jockeys' Championship leader Paul Townend has refractured his collarbone, following a fall from Mr Thriller in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

Speaking this morning, Turf Club Medical Officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick stated "Paul took a nasty fall yesterday and has refractured his collarbone. Unfortunatley the pin (which had been inserted after his previous injury on March 26) has been very badly bent and will require surgery."

"Specialist Tadgh O'Sullivan will carry out the surgery later today and Paul will probably be out of action for six weeks."

Townend is within sight of the winning line in this year's Jump Jockeys' Championship, leading nearest rival Davy Russell by 80 winners to 75.

Tom Weekes