Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Multiple Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra is on the sidelines after suffering a broken tibia in a barrier incident at Sandown on Thursday.
The Victorian Jockey Association confirmed Zahra suffered the injury during trials on Thursday morning, with scans later revealing a fracture in his leg.
“Scans have shown that I have a small fracture at the top of my shin bone,” Zahra posted on Instagram.
“I am currently waiting for more information from my doctor about the next steps and timetable for my return.
“But as it stands now, I will be out of the saddle for the next few weeks.
“Stay safe out there, kids.”
The setback casts doubt on Zahra’s involvement in the Melbourne leg of the Autumn Carnival, including the major sprint meetings at Flemington and the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes day on February 21.
His expected ride on tree colt Tentyris in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning over 1000 meters on February 14 now appears vacant, while Zahra is also racing against the clock to be available for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over 1200 meters on March 7.
Tentyris is currently a $3.50 favorite for both sprint features.
Zahra was also booked to partner Derby winner Observer in the Group 1 Australian Guineas over 1600 meters on February 28.
The 39-time Group 1 winning rider currently leads the premiership of Melbourne jockeys with 10 wins, with 36 wins recorded at a 23 per cent success rate.
Only Jamie Melham, who completed the Cups double with Half Yours, has earned more prize money in Victoria this season, with $12.4 million compared to Zahra’s $10.9 million.
Zahra was set for a strong book of stages at Flemington on Saturday, including heavy favorite Big Sky in the opening event, and replacement riders were now to be confirmed.
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