Whelan sidelined for two weeks

Padge Whelan is likely to be out of action for around two weeks after breaking a bone in his foot.

Whelan was riding Supremely Gifted for Sue Smith in the Streetlam “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle at Catterick on Wednesday when he was kicked by another runner at the start.

He rode Supremely Gifted to finish third and proceeded to ride Navelina in the closing bumper in great pain.

“He’s broken a metatarsal,” said weighing-room colleague Sam Stronge.

“He was kicked down at the start riding Supremely Gifted for Sue Smith. He was in agony and went for x-rays.

“It’s nothing serious and he should only be out for about two weeks.”