Dylan Browne McMonagle faces a spell on the sidelines after a fall at Bellewstown on Tuesday, with the opening day of the course's 300th anniversary meeting eventually called off following additional fallers.
The Irish champion jockey was taken to hospital in Drogheda after being thrown to the ground when his mount Mosel stumbled while launching a challenge a furlong out in the day's opener, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.
Although confirmed to be conscious upon leaving the racecourse and subsequently described as recovering well with a full recovery anticipated, early examinations indicate the 23-year-old "will be out for a number of weeks".
Medical update on Browne McMonagle
Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board chief medical officer Jennifer Pugh said on X: "Following his fall in the first race at Bellewstown, Dylan Browne McMonagle was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda."
"Dylan was conscious when leaving the racecourse and is recovering well in hospital this evening. He is very appreciative of the goodwill messages he has received since this afternoon."
"Dylan will be kept in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital overnight for further assessment and observation and will be out for a number of weeks but will make a full recovery."
Remarkable year for the champion jockey
Browne McMonagle has enjoyed a remarkable year, with Classic triumphs on both sides of the Irish Sea enabling him to secure an Oaks double at Epsom and the Curragh aboard Thundering On and Johanna Walsh respectively.
As recently as Saturday he notched up a remarkable 723-1 five-timer at the Curragh, while he secured one victory with Limestone (Queen's Vase) and two runner-up finishes at Royal Ascot this year. He also captured the Chester Cup aboard A Piece Of Heaven.
Meeting abandoned after further fallers
After his fall, the second race was delayed by 30 minutes so groundstaff could apply sand to problematic areas. Yet the 1m contest witnessed another two fallers, in a section apparently unrelated to the spot which affected Browne McMonagle, though both jockeys and their mounts were swiftly back on their feet.
There had been a minor stumble in the opening race, and stewards subsequently made the call to scrap the remainder of the fixture. The second day of the Bellewstown Festival on Wednesday, a jumps meeting, has been cleared to go ahead.
