Elsworth planning Thursday return

Dominic Elsworth has high hopes of a return to the saddle in time for the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock on Thursday.

Elsworth fell from the Sue Smith-trained Town Crier at the fifth fence of the Casino 36 Classic Handicap Chase at Haydock on Saturday and has been sidelined since.

The jockey underwent a successful concussion test in York this morning and will be free to ride Cleeve Hurdle fourth Patriarch Express at Haydock – should Smith, who has also entered Royal Emperor in the race, declare him for the Grade Two contest.

“I’m grand so hopefully I should be back by Thursday,” said Elsworth, who is based with Smith at her yard in Bingley.

“The concussion test was mandatory but things are fine now and I feel well.

“I don’t know whether I’ll be riding Patriarch yet because Sue has also got Royal Emperor in the race too. He’s well though and seems in good order.”