O'Regan on Kinger Rocks

Denis O'Regan will hope to emulate Roger Loughran's winning spare ride experience yesterday after coming in for the mount on …

Denis O'Regan will hope to emulate Roger Loughran's winning spare ride experience yesterday after coming in for the mount on the Guinness Galway Hurdle favourite Kinger Rocks this afternoon.

O'Regan won last year's Galway Plate on Ansar for Dermot Weld and after Tony McCoy's injury yesterday, the Cork-born jockey was again engaged for a big-race opportunity by the trainer.

"It's very unfortunate for Tony but Denis O'Regan will now ride," said Weld.

McCoy, who could face up to two months on the sidelines, was sent to the local accident and emergency for examination but was initially diagnosed at the track with a badly broken right wrist.

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"He was in a lot of pain but he was given pain relief, some local treatment, and then sent to Galway hospital," said the Turf Club Medical Officer, Dr Kevin Mulcahy.

McCoy's mount in the second race, Sporting Limerick, was fatally injured in the fall at the second last flight in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.

Meanwhile, George Washington could return to action later this month in the Totesport Celebration Mile at Goodwood - despite the fact Kieren Fallon would not be available to ride.

He was beaten by Araafa on heavy ground in the Irish 2,000 Guineas but it was later discovered he had a hip-muscle injury, which may have contributed to his defeat.

George Washington is well on the road to recovery and O'Brien is considering running the colt in either the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown on August 20th or the Celebration Mile seven days later. O'Brien said at Goodwood yesterday:

Court Masterpiece had a commanding victory under Jimmy Fortune in the Cantor Spreadfair Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood yesterday.

The Irish 2000 Guineas hero and St James's Palace Stakes winner Araafa seemed the most likely winner but weakened rapidly in the closing stages and dropped away to be fifth.

The 15 to 2 winner was held-up in fifth early on and the gaps appeared down the straight as Ed Dunlop's charge weaved his way past his rivals to easily beat 2004 winner and last year's runner-up Soviet Song.

Rob Roy stayed on from the rear to take third, while Aussie Rules - who had been under pressure at an early stage - finished fourth.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column