Murtagh fractures cheekbone

Johnny Murtagh faces a number of weeks on the sidelines after fracturing a small cheekbone when thrown from Lottie Dod prior to the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.

The incident occurred as the former champion was leaving the parade ring, and he was subsequently replaced on the Charles O’Brien-trained filly by Pat Smullen. Pedro The Great recorded a 10/1 surprise in the feature, with Leitir Mor and Lottie Dod completing the placings.

However there was further drama in the six furlongs highlight as the Joseph O’Brien-ridden Cristoforo Colombo slipped up when short of room about a furlong out.

Turf Club doctor Adrian McGoldrick said, “Johnny has fractured a small bone under his eye, and he will have further tests done on a larger cheekbone tomorrow morning which I am a bit concerned about.

“Joseph has a soft tissue injury on his leg. I think he was quite fortunate but he will also have the injury further assessed tomorrow.”