Alexander injured in Musselburgh fall

Published on 05/01/2013 12:21

Top lady jumps rider Lucy Alexander faces a spell on the sidelines with a broken collarbone following a fall at 
Musselburgh.

Alexander was riding Isla Pearl Fisher for her father, trainer Nick Alexander, in the Scottish Racing Kilmany Cup yesterday when her mount fell four out.

Alexander took a nasty tumble, after a day which had started well with victory on Buffalo Ballet for her father in division one of the maiden hurdle.

She walked away from the incident but was later taken for X-rays, with Nick Alexander tweeting: “After a great start to day I am sorry to report in A&E awaiting results of Lucy x-rays, apparent broken collar bone in fall from IPF”.

Meanwhile, at Plumpton tomorrow, Pettifour seems well enough treated on his best form to expect a big show in the At The Races Sussex National (2.55). The 11-year-old, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, has not won since November 2009, but he did enough on his last outing at Haydock two months ago to warrant support here. He was given a patient ride by Sam Twiston-Davies on Merseyside before slowly edging into contention and although he stayed on with purpose, the Naunton raider was well held by the main players and finished fifth of 15 runners.

Connections must surely have been satisfied by that effort, though, as it was his first start since May. The handicapper has, importantly, also left him alone off a mark of 120.

Pettifour had been rated as highly as 160 over hurdles in his pomp, so that fact should not go unnoticed by those seeking a spot of value in what is always a difficult conundrum in which to solve. The prospect of drying ground can also be considered another boon.

Abruzzi caught most people unawares at Towcester, but it would come as less of a surprise if he doubles up in the attheraces.com & British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (1.55).

Tom Symonds’ five-year-old was an 18-1 scorer in a tight novices’ hurdle in December, despite having looked badly outpaced for a long way. The manner in which he picked up towards the finish to beat Up To Something by nearly three lengths has clearly influenced the decision to step him up.

Vulcanite, meanwhile, can uphold form with Salden 
Licht in the ATR Novices’ Chase (1.25).