Doyle out of action after race fall

Godolphin’s retained rider in Australia, James Doyle, is expected to miss at least part of the Sydney Autumn racing carnival after suffering a hairline fracture in his wrist in a fall at Randwick on Monday.

Doyle, who joined the Australian team late last year, has had great success for both Godolphin and outside stables in Australia.

“While it’s disappointing to have suffered an injury at such an important part of the Autumn Carnival, I expect to recover quickly and return to riding within a few weeks," said Doyle.

“I am thankful I was able to walk away with only a fracture and thank all the medical staff at the ATC."

Doyle came down when the mare Pearls became unbalanced and fell in middle stages of the G3 Triscay Stakes at Randwick.

In the previous race Doyle had guided Godolphin’s top-ranked Australian runner Hartnell into second place behind star mare Winx in the G2 Apollo Stakes, an effort that suggested he had an exciting Autumn ahead of him.

“My wrist is feeling much better today and I will undergo all the necessary rehabilitation to get myself back to the racetrack for the carnival," Doyle said.

No specific replacement for Doyle is immediately being sought with head Australian trainer John O’Shea likely to select riders from among the many used by the stable throughout the normal course of the season.

Stewards opened an inquiry into the incident in which Pearls also suffered a severe shoulder injury, and found it to be an accidental racing incident.