Cobden’s set for a spell on sidelines
CHAMPION National Hunt jockey Harry Cobden is set for a short spell on the sidelines after appearing to damage knee ligaments in a fall at Stratford on Sunday.
Cobden - one of the stars of the Champions: Full Gallop docuseries on ITV - was partnering Kick Up A Storm for his boss Paul Nicholls in the opening Hiorns Hats Handicap Hurdle when he was unseated at the third flight of hurdles.
He gave up his remaining mounts on the card and missed out on a winner as the Nichollstrained Matterhorn landed the John Murtagh 60th Birthday Handicap Chase in the hands the deputising Nico de Boinville.
Somerset-based Nicholls told Racing TV: “I think he’s hurt some ligaments in his knee is what he said and he thought it would be two or three weeks off. If there’s a time of year to do that it’s now, so hopefully he’ll be back soon.”
Alice Procter remains in intensive care following her fall at Cartmel on Saturday, the Injured Jockeys Fund has said.
The 21-year-old amateur was airlifted to hospital in Preston after her fall from Uggy Uggy Uggy in the female riders’ handicap hurdle.
Giving an update on Monday, the IJF said in a statement: “Amateur jockey Alice Procter remains in intensive care at the Royal Preston Hospital after her fall at Cartmel on Saturday.
“She is conscious and able to talk for short periods of time. The surgery to stabilise her thoracic spinal fracture was successful, although there are indications of some damage to the spinal cord.
“Alice will remain in hospital as plans are made for her longerterm rehabilitation.
“The Procter family are very grateful for all the messages of support from across the industry. However, they recognise that this is likely to be a long journey and they kindly ask that enquires are handled by the IJF.”