Surgery for injured Devereux

Conditional rider Donal Devereux is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a nasty fall at Doncaster on Saturday.

The 5lb claimer was partnering Flash Harriet in the sportingbet.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle on Town Moor when the pair to came grief at the first flight.

Devereux, who rides for trainer Peter Bowen, was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where he is undergoing surgery on cheekbone and jaw injuries.

Bowen confirmed: “He was due to go to theatre at 9am today. He’s smashed his cheekbone and jaw – it’s a bit of a mess.

“It looked a horrible fall and I would say he’s likely to be out for quite a while.”