Racing: Roberts fracture compounds his week of misery

Michael Roberts, who on Wednesday was deprived of the ride on Pentire in tomorrow's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes by Michael Hills's successful appeal against a ban, had another setback yesterday when a fall at Sandown resulted in a fractured wrist that will keep him out of action for up to three weeks.

Roberts fell heavily on his forearm from Honeyshan when he swerved to avoid another horse on pulling up after the maiden race. He will miss several important mounts at Goodwood, including the Bunbury Cup winner, Crumpton Hill, in the Schweppes Golden Mile.

Olivier Peslier also injured an arm when his mount broke a leg and fell at Maisons-Laffitte yesterday. He may have to miss the King George mount on Luso. Three horses were brought down in the incident in which Olivier Doleuze sustained fractured ribs and injuries to his right elbow and hip.

Certain to miss Ascot is Singspiel, who has had a slight setback, while the participation of Swain and Song Of Tara relies on an ease in the good to firm going.