Micheal Nolan suffers fractured vertebrae and broken ribs in Southwell fall

Micheal Nolan has been left with broken bones in his back and ribs following a fall at Southwell on Monday.

The rider suffered his injuries when he came down aboard Ardbruce at the second fence in the 2m handicap chase (1.00). There was a lengthy delay as he was treated before he was taken to hospital in nearby Nottingham and will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Nolan is conscious and was able to provide an update on his Twitter account on Monday evening, when he confirmed he had fractured his T5 and T6 vertebrae, in the centre of the spine, along with broken ribs.

Ardbruce's trainer Seamus Mullins spoke to Nolan on Tuesday morning and reports the jockey to be "in good spirits".

He said: "He's had a stable fracture so he's going to have an operation to stabilise that. There's no nerve or spine damage.

"Also, the chest pain he was having was due to a fracture of the uppermost rib, but thankfully the sternum is all in one place. That'll sort itself out, but they're always painful.

"The long-term prognosis is very good. I had a chat with him this morning and he's in good spirits and grateful for all the concern everyone's showing. He should be out in a couple of days after the operation then a few days recuperation. I'd have thought he'd be released by the weekend."

He added: "I know it's an old cliche but if there's ever a time to have an injury as a jump jockey now is the time. There are plenty of lads who have had similar injuries who are back riding."

Nolan has ridden five winners in the early part of the season, although only a month ago his car was stolen when riding at Market Rasen.

Read reports from Monday's racing:

Southwell: 'Racing has ups and downs' – Harry Whittington bounces back after loss of stars

Pontefract: 'I went a bit mad' – owner enjoying returns after £1 million spending spree

Lingfield: William Buick extends lead in jockeys' championship with tasty treble

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