Dylan Browne McMonagle ‘up, walking and in good spirits’

The encouraging update was provided by his agent Kevin O'Ryan, who spoke to the champion jockey on Wednesday morning.

Letterkenny native Browne McMonagle was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda after a heavy fall in the opening race at the Meath track.

The 23-year-old was riding Mosel in the auction maiden over a mile when the filly suffered a broken leg entering the final furlong, sending the Donegal man crashing to the ground.

He was attended to by the on-course medical team before being taken from the track by ambulance. He remained conscious following the incident.

O'Ryan gave a positive assessment of Browne McMonagle's condition when speaking on Wednesday.

"Dylan is up and about and walking and he's in great spirits. I spoke to him this morning and he was in great form. He's very appreciative of all the well-wishers and messages of support that have come his way.

"He will obviously be out for a few weeks but the main thing is that he's feeling good and already on the road to recovery. Dylan is a very positive chap and already looking forward to getting back to action."

Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, had also offered an upbeat update earlier on Wednesday, while confirming that the rider faces several weeks away from the saddle.

Speaking on Nick Luck Daily, Pugh said: "Dylan had a good night. It was a significant fall, but he's in a really good position and was very stable overnight. He's doing remarkably well given the seriousness of the fall.

"He'll be out for a number of weeks, but we're in a very positive place compared to where we were yesterday. A huge thanks to everybody who took such good care of him.

"There are standard return to ride protocols. It's different for every jockey and it's all very individualised. We will know more over the next few days with regard to Dylan.

"He's a remarkable young man. Even in the throes of everything that happened yesterday evening, he maintained all his manners. He's a pleasure to deal with."

Tuesday's meeting was intended to mark Bellewstown's 300th anniversary, but the evening was badly disrupted and only two of the eight scheduled races went ahead.

There had already been concern in the opening contest when Star Of Beauty appeared to slip around halfway through the race, although jockey Billy Lee managed to stay aboard.

Racing was delayed for more than half an hour following Browne McMonagle's fall as he received medical attention and remedial work was carried out on the track.

The meeting resumed for the second race, but Pettus Bridge and Distillate subsequently fell at around the same area where Star Of Beauty had stumbled.

Adam Caffrey and Ben Coen were quickly back on their feet, while both horses appeared to have escaped injury. The remainder of the card was then abandoned.

Browne McMonagle's absence is likely to rule him out of the Irish Champions Festival on September 11 and 12.

The setback comes after a highly successful spell for the Letterkenny rider, who has already ridden 61 winners this season as he attempts to retain his champion jockey crown.

Only last Saturday, Browne McMonagle enjoyed one of the standout days of his season when he rode a remarkable five winners at the Curragh.