Harley breaks bone in neck as attempted coup goes west

Pre-race talk at Lingfield yesterday had all concerned the development of another eyecatching all-weather gamble but it was rendered insignificant after the shocking fall suffered by Martin Harley.

Harley will miss Dubai World Cup night and the first half of the Flat turf season after breaking a bone in his neck and a number of ribs in a crashing fall from the gambled-on Red Art in the 7f handicap.

The Tony Newcombe-trained five-year-old died after breaking a shoulder and catapulted Harley to the ground when well held inside the final furlong of the contest.