Robert Havlin hoping to return from injury early next year after Southwell fall takes gloss off lucrative 2024

Robert Havlin is hoping to be back in action early in the new year after taking some time to recover from the effects of a fall he sustained soon after the stalls opened in a race at Southwell last month.

The dual Group 1-winning jockey was unseated from the Rod Millman-trained Ajrad in a 7f handicap and has not ridden since.

Havlin received a nasty kick from his mount and has undergone treatment for serious bruising to his ribs at an Injured Jockeys Fund facility in Newmarket.

The setback has brought a premature end to the most lucrative year of Havlin's career, during which he has racked up more than £2.1 million in prize-money and enjoyed his second Group 1 success on Audience in the Lockinge Stakes in May. 

Havlin also finished runner-up on Ambiente Friendly in the Derby and third on the same horse in the Irish equivalent. He also had Group 2 success on Sweet William in the Doncaster Cup.

He said: “I came off Ajrad at Southwell when he pecked after about five strides and did a somersault, giving me a good old kicking in the back as he went past. 

"I bruised quite a few of my ribs, since when I’ve not ridden out. However, I’ve been going into the Injured Jockeys Fund facility at Peter O’Sullevan House every day for two hours.

Robert Havlin (right) with Sweet William after the Doncaster CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

“I’m just taking it day by day at the moment. I get treatment in the pool and in the gym, so it’s up to them when they think I’m ready to ride. It’s getting quiet now over Christmas and it could be the beginning of the new year when I’m back. 

"I did not break any bones, but there could well have been little fractures in the ribs. However, it's mainly a lot of bruising.”

On the timing of his accident, Havlin said: “It happened a week before the Flat jockeys' week off, which was a bit annoying as I spent that week off anyway but in pain. If you’re ever going to get injured, though, this time of year isn't too bad.”

Reflecting on 2024 as a whole, he said: “Prize money-wise this year was brilliant, while the highlights were getting on Ambiente Friendly and Audience, as well as Sweet William, and hopefully they can have further success in 2025. 

"As long as Kyprios doesn’t keep turning up against Sweet William, I would hope he’ll have a great year as he’s still improving.”

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