Fractured back for Ana

ANA O’BRIEN could be out for four months after sustaining fractures in her back and neck in a crunching fall at Killarney on Tuesday evening.

The 21-year-old daughter of trainer Aidan O’Brien suffered breaks in her C1 and T6 vertebrae after Druids Cross, trained by brother Joseph, was fatally injured when slipping up two furlongs out.

She was airlifted to Cork University Hospital.

O’Brien is Ireland’s top apprentice this season with 22 winners and had her first ride in the Derby at Epsom last month on her father’s unplaced The Anvil.

Irish Turf club chief medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said: ‘Ana’s brain scan is clear. She has had her MRI scans and she does not need surgery. They will continue to review her facial injuries.’

Meanwhile, Lee Westwood, who tees off this afternoon in The Open at Royal Birkdale in search of an elusive first major, should at least have a diversion on Saturday if he fails to make the cut.

Westwood is part- owner of Ian Williams-trained Poker School, who is due to line up in the Betfred Summer Plate Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

The seven-year-old has been cut to 8-1 co-third favourite by Coral.