Sam Twiston-Davies has described himself as “a bit gutted” after being told by racing’s ruling body that he is not fit to ride at Cheltenham this weekend. The jockey, sidelined since early October by a nasty fall at Chepstow that tore his spleen, hoped to be allowed to take part in three valuable and high-profile days’ action at the home of jump racing but will have to wait at least another week before making his return.
“I was told I have to go for a CT scan next week in London, at the British Horseracing Authority’s expense,” Twiston-Davies said. “That’s the next step they wanted to take. Hopefully I’ll be back soon. It’s frustrating, especially after I’ve worked so hard trying to make my deadline.
“I’ve not made the deadline I wanted and it’s hard to reset your focus and find the motivation you had then to get going again but I’ll do it and hopefully refocus on next weekend.”
Twiston-Davies is principal jockey to the champion jumps trainer, Paul Nicholls, who has enjoyed a purple patch in recent weeks as his horses find their form after a summer’s rest. The Somerset yard has averaged about a winner a day since the start of last month and is likely to have four runners in Saturday’s feature race at Cheltenham, the BetVictor Gold Cup.
The BHA said it could not comment on the health of specific jockeys, as to do so would breach rules on medical confidentiality. However, its chief medical advisor, Dr Jerry Hill, who took the decision in relation to Twiston-Davies, spoke in general terms about the procedures to be followed in such cases.
“As medicine evolves and different techniques emerge for treating injuries, the process for passing a jockey fit to ride also has to evolve,” Hill said. “This means we have to review the evidence, often from other sports, and draw up new protocols to ensure the safety of the returning jockey and of their colleagues.
“Depending on the nature of the injury, our athletes may feel completely well but may still be in a vulnerable period when extra care needs to be taken.”
