Welsh Emporor fine after Doncaster setback

Welsh Emperor was this morning described by trainer Tom Tate as “right as a robin” after being pulled up at Doncaster yesterday.

Fears the popular 10-year-old had been badly injured when he faltered badly and was pulled up by jockey Micky Fenton quickly proved unfounded.

The veteran, winner of 13 of his 72 starts including two Group victories and almost £400,000 in prize-money, is back at Tate’s Tadcaster stables.

“He is as right as a robin and it appears to us that somebody clipped his heels,” Tate said in a statement to Press Association Sport.

“A horse came down behind him. Normally whoever clips the heels brings themselves down. For a moment it looked as if he’d broken a leg. I’m very pleased to say he’s fine and he’s out in the field.”

Cyflymder was badly hampered in the incident and unseated his jockey Pat Dobbs.

He was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where it was confirmed he had fractured his forearm in two places.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be out for. I’m going to see a specialist tomorrow,” said Dobbs, who is recuperating at home.