Talented rider Rossa Ryan has been dealt a huge blow to his season having made a superb start this term, but now he is set to miss all five days of Royal Ascot at the Berkshire track.
Having broken his collarbone in a nasty fall at Wolverhampton last month it was thought he would have no chance of being back for the best five days of the flat calendar, but surprisingly has made an exceptionally quick recovery.
However, having been given some good news, he was hit with another blow by being forced to have an operation for appendicitis and he will not be able to be fit enough in time to ride.
He was forced to miss out on a huge ride on Mojo Star in the Epsom Derby last Saturday, with the outsider of the field running a stormer into second.
At Royal Ascot the rider was looking forward to sitting on the likes of Hello You in the Albany, Go Bears Go in the Norfolk and Beautiful Sunshine in the Queen Mary, but now those mounts will be shared between other jockeys.
What a season it's been for Ben Curtis!
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) June 30, 2020
He's currently leading the flat jockeys championships and he's picked up a ride on Royal Ascot winner HIGHLAND CHIEF in Saturdays Epsom Derby 🏇🏻
(Credit: @AtTheRaces)pic.twitter.com/wCkyBFvWer
Ryan managed to land his first ever race at the royal meeting last season when steering home Highland Chief for Paul & Oliver Cole in the Golden Gates Handicap and was looking forward to getting the chance to do so again, but will now have to watch on from the sidelines.
The jockey posted a message on Twitter saying: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm I will not be riding at Royal Ascot next week.
“Unfortunately I had an operation on June 8 due to appendicitis which will put me out for a little longer.
“It is hugely disappointing, because my collarbone has mended incredibly well, and I was preparing to take my fitness test in readiness for Royal Ascot.
“It seems for some reason or another now is not my time, but it will all come good soon. I will be back in the gym at Oaksey House, fighting to be fit to ride as soon as possible.”