Willmott breaks arm and foot

JOCKEY Thomas Willmott is set for a spell on the sidelines after marking his birthday by riding a winner and then suffering a broken arm and a broken foot.

The 3lb claimer turned 23 on Friday and celebrated by landing the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at Catterick on Prairie Wolf for his boss Sue Smith.

It was the fourth winner of 2023 for the rider and 48th overall of a career that began in 2017-18.

But Willmott ended the day in hospital after being injured in his very next ride in the novice handicap chase. He was unseated from North Parade three out and the horse trampled on him.

Smith said: “It’s such a shame as he was going really well and he was in great form. He gave the first horse a lovely ride and we were absolutely delighted.

“But as the saying goes, ‘That’s racing.’”