Barry Geraghty has been ruled out of the 2017 Cheltenham Festival after suffering a collapsed lung and six broken ribs in a fall at Kempton on Saturday.
The Irish jockey now expects to be back on the saddle for April's Grand National at Aintree instead.
Initially, he had been hopeful of making Cheltenham but unfortunately for him that possibility has now been ruled out for this year.
Speaking to At The Races on Sunday, Geraghty confirmed: "I've a collapsed lung and six broken ribs on my right side. I'm obviously devastated to miss the Festival – there were so many good horses to look forward to as JP's [McManus] team all look in particularly good shape this year.
"Last night was pretty rough. I've broken ribs individually before but never had six go all at the same time. I'll be in hospital for a few more days but once the lung improves my recovery should be straightforward and I expect to be back for Aintree."
Cheltenham will get underway on March 14th and will run until St Patrick's Day.
Geraghty has been on board 34 winners at the Festival including the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.
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