Sacre in, McCoy out for Punchestown
McCoy, who will pick up his 18th jockeys’ championship title next weekend, fell from Quantitativeeasing in the Barbury International Horse Trials Handicap Hurdle on Thursday at Cheltenham.
Following assessment at the track, McCoy was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where X-rays revealed he had suffered broken ribs.
The jockey’s personal assistant, Gee Bradburne, said: “Following the fall from Quantitativeeasing yesterday at Cheltenham, AP McCoy remains in Gloucestershire Hospital and is still very sore.
“He has broken a few ribs and was being assessed by the doctor when I spoke to him.
“Because of the discomfort, he is still under observation and the doctor will let him go home when he is happy with him.
“He will be too sore to ride at Punchestown next week.”
A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Royal Hospital said: “Mr McCoy is in a comfortable condition, however, it does not look like he will be released this [Friday] evening.”
Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson is hoping for a drying weekend after confirming Sprinter Sacre an intended runner in the Boylesports.com Champion Chase.
The brilliant seven-year-old has again been imperious this season, taking his unbeaten run over fences to nine with victories at Sandown, twice at Cheltenham and most recently Aintree.
“Sprinter Sacre is going to go to Ireland. His work has been good and everything is tickety-boo with him. I’m happy with him and he deserves to go to Ireland. There is a nice race for him there and we hope for a dry weekend,” said the trainer.
“Punchestown has always been very good to us. Barry (Geraghty) sat up on him yesterday (Thursday) and said he felt great. All his checks are good and he appears to be in great form."
Punchestown general manager Dick O'Sullivan said: “Sprinter Sacre coming to Punchestown is a massive sporting occasion. He is a magnificent athlete and you don’t need to be a racing fan to appreciate sheer sporting brilliance when you see it.
“Nicky Henderson has always been a great supporter of Punchestown and he really recognises the fact that, with this horse, he has a superstar in his care.
“He has mentioned a couple of times that the people of Ireland would really appreciate a chance to see Sprinter Sacre race and he has delivered on that today.”
Jockey Paul Carberry will also be in action despite giving up his rides at Wexford last evening.
Carberry, who came back from injury just in time to ride Solwhit at Aintree, suffered a mishap when riding out in the morning.
His agent, Ciaran O’Toole, said: “He’s just a little bit stiff. There’ll be no problem for Punchestown”
