David Mullins could return in time for Galway Festival

Grand National winning jockey has had plate inserted into collar bone after Ballinrobe fall

Grand National-winning jockey David Mullins is hoping to be back in action in time for the Galway Festival after having a plate inserted in his collar bone on Thursday.

The seven-day meeting, starting on July 25th, could be a realistic target for the 20-year-old rider after he suffered a broken collar bone and a collapsed lung in a fall at Ballinrobe over a week ago.

“He had a plate put in his collar bone this morning. Everything went fine. Hopefully he’ll be out (of hospital) in the next 24 hours,” said his father, Tom.

“I wouldn’t be sure how long he’ll be out for, but it will be at least four weeks.

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“He’s probably aiming to be back for Galway, I’d say, at this stage.”

Mullins sustained the injury when falling at the fourth-last flight on Erlkonig in the McHale Coranna Handicap Hurdle.

He enjoyed his finest hour in the saddle to date when partnering the Mouse Morris-trained Rule The World to victory in the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree in April.