WITH the Flat season getting into full swing, the saddest news is that it is going to be without Hayley Turner.

She was propelled to national fame when becoming the first woman to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in Britain, but this week the 26-year-old is resigned to the fact she won’t race ride till next March due to a fall on the Newmarket gallops that left her with a serious head injury.

The accident happened when the Phil McEnteetrained Old Sarum fell fatally shortly after coming out of the starting stalls on the famous gallops, leaving Turner unconscious with bruising to the brain.

After a meeting with the BHA’s chief medical adviser Dr Michael Turner the very popular jockey said afterwards: “I’m absolutely devastated. I know I’m lucky to be in one piece and I’ll be back riding, but a year is a long time and it’s very out of routine for me.”

Jockey James Reveley also faces a short spell on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone at Ayr on Friday.

The young rider was riding Ungaro for his father Keith when the horse fell at the fifth fence leaving him with the injury.

Reveley senior said: “He’s fine really. He has broken his collarbone and had a bit of mild concussion, he’ll hopefully be back in a few weeks.”

On a brighter note, Pontefract stage an interesting seven race card today, first race due off at 2.10.

The longest handicap run in Britain is the Pontefract Handicap at 3.40 run over two miles six furlongs.

Middleham trainer Micky Hammond saddles two of the ten runners and looks to have solid claims with top weight Mr Crystal who has won at the West Yorkshire track before.

The in-form trainer has booked top apprentice Frederik Tylicki to ride the five-year-old and the pair should stay going when others have cried enough.

There’s also racing at Hexham today, the first of six races gets under way at 2.30 and with the weather set to stay dry a big crowd is expected at the picturesque track.

Catterick race on Wednesday before Ripon stage their second meeting of the season on Saturday.

Sandown bring down the curtain on the National Hunt year on Saturday with the highlight being The Bet 365 Gold Cup Steeple Chase.

Jump fans don’t have to wait too long before the new season gets under way as Wetherby race on Sunday.