THERE was positive news for Carlow jockey Shane Prendergast this week as he learned he will not have to undergo surgery for the injuries he sustained in a fall at Ballingarry point-to-point last Sunday week.

The 19-year-old suffered bruising to the brain, two fractured vertebrae and a fractured sternum when his mount slipped on a bend.

Turf Club senior medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick reported on Friday: “Shane had an MRI scan which was sent for analysis to the Mater Hospital. He will not need surgery which is positive news.He remains in an intensive care unit at Tullamore and will be kept in a neck brace for four months.”

A benefit night in aid of Prendergast will take place in The Hilltop, Ballymurphy, Borris, Co Carlow, at 9pm next Saturday, June 24th. Many racing personalities are expected to attend.

Dr McGoldrick also had updates on injured jockeys Ian McCarthy, Denis O’Regan and Ciaran Fennessy.

“Ian McCarthy has two broken bones in his foot and will be out for four to six weeks unfortunately. Denis O’Regan hurt his right shoulder after a fall at Clonmel last Friday week - he is awaiting an MRI scan.”

“Ciaran Fennessy broke his pelvis four months ago and it hasn’t healed as fast we thought it could. He’ll be out for another month at least.”