Fitzgerald in lucky escape

Mick Fitzgerald escaped serious injury in a horror fall at Newbury today.

The Irishman was taken to Basingstoke Hospital following his tumble from Mighty Strong in the Lane Fox Chase (Showcase Handicap) but was allowed home later.

“There’s nothing broken but he’s very sore,” said his agent Dave Roberts tonight.

“He won’t ride tomorrow, but he’ll be back at Cheltenham on Friday. He’s been very lucky.”

Fitzgerald had taken Mighty Strong into the lead in an eventful two-and-a-half mile contest and the combination looked set for success when they came crashing down at the final fence, leaving the favourite to Merchants Friend to lift the prize.

The jockey was stricken on the turf in front of the grandstands for some time but with the help of paramedics he eventually got to his feet.

He misses three rides at Taunton tomorrow but plans to return for the first day of Cheltenham’s Open meeting on Friday when his mounts could include Ceanannas Mor in the Sporting Index Cross Country Chase.

He is currently fourth in this season’s jockeys’ championship with 35 winners.