Champion jockey James McDonald faces a challenging month on the sidelines due to a recent injury.
Scans have revealed that he fractured his foot in a fall at Wyong, New South Wales last Friday, leading to his unexpected hiatus from horse racing.
Despite the initial fall, the 31-year-old decided to continue riding at Randwick the following day, securing an impressive double win on Garza Blanca and Waverider Buoy.
He also partnered with Nature Strip in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes, marking the sprinter's final race.
However, it became evident that all was not well as McDonald revealed on social media that the injury was more severe than initially thought.
Doctors have advised him to take a month off from riding to recover, with hopes of returning later in the spring.
Racing NSW Stewards confirmed the foot fracture, further emphasizing the seriousness of the injury.
This setback has caused McDonald to miss out on some prestigious rides, including Kovalica in the Theo Marks Stakes, Zapateo in the Sheraco Stakes, and Kandinsky Abstract in the Run To The Rose at Rosehill.
He also had to forego the opportunity to ride Golden Slipper winner Shinzo, the favorite for the Golden Rose on September 23.
In addition, McDonald faces a race against time to be fit for The Everest and the opportunity to partner with Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior for the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on October 7.
The absence of the country's leading rider, James McDonald, is a significant loss to the horse racing scene, leaving fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating his return to the saddle after this challenging month of recovery.