BARRY GERAGHTY WILL have to watch the Cheltenham Festival next month like the rest of us.

The Irish jockey suffered a collapsed lung and six fractured ribs in a fall at Kempton yesterday.

“I’m obviously devastated to miss the festival,” he told At The Races. “There were so many good horses to look forward to as JP’s team all look in particularly good shape this year.

“Last night was pretty rough. I’ve broken ribs individually before but never had six go all at the same time. I’ll be in hospital for a few more days but once my lung improves my recovery should be straightforward and I expect to be back for Aintree.”

Geraghty fell from Nicky Henderson-trained Charli Parcs in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle.

The McManus organisation now face a huge challenge to replace a rider who is second only to Ruby Walsh amongst active jockeys, when it comes to wins at the Cheltenham Festival.

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