Top jockey breaks leg in fall

Richard Johnson out of action for up to three months after breaking his leg in a fall at Exeter

Richard Johnson is expected to be out of action for up to three months after breaking his right leg in a fall at Exeter on Tuesday.

The jockey, who is lying second to A P McCoy in the title race with 81 winners, was detained overnight in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Exeter racecourse medical officer, Dr Lee Wallis said: “It was a very nasty fall and Johnson has sustained a fracture of the tibia and fibula on the lower part of his right leg. It was a bad break and he could be out for up to three months.”

Johnson was riding Ilico II, trained by Philip Hobbsin the 3663 First For Food Service Novices’ Chase when the gelding fell at the fourth fence. Ilico II died as a result of the fall.

Hobbs said: “It is a disaster for all concerned, especially with the season about to move up a gear.”