Sports Digest/Racing: Top jockey David Casey last night underwent X-rays at Blanchardstown Hospital after taking a bad fall at Fairyhouse yesterday, writes Brian O'Connor.
Casey, who had been due to ride the well-fancied Hedgehunter in the Aintree Grand National in 10 days, was injured in a fall from Emotional Article three out in the Menolly Homes Handicap Hurdle.
"It was a horrible fall but at least he is fully conscious," the Turf Club medical officer, Dr Walter Halley, said. "He has a significant injury to his right hip, he has a collar on his neck and is on a spinal board. He is going to have to have a full X-ray exam."
Paul Carberry also picked up a soft-tissue injury in the same race yesterday and was stood down for the day.
SNOOKER: While Ken Doherty defeated Australian Quinten Hann 5-2 in the China Open in Beijing he left the venue rueing an expensive mistake. In the opening frame the Dubliner potted 15 reds and 14 blacks but, only seven shots short of his first maximum in tournament play he failed to sink a straightforward black off its spot.
"It's the same old story, missing a black cost me," said Doherty, who jawed the final black for a 147 and the keys to a sports car valued at $88,000 during his defeat by Matthew Stevens in the final of the 2000 Masters at Wembley.
Doherty now faces Stephen Lee, who whitewashed Habib Subah, Bahrain's leading player, 5-0.
BOXING: Olympian Andy Lee is one of three automatic Irish choices on the Four Nations boxing team to meet Cuba in the high-profile International meet in Liverpool on Friday week, writes Pat Roche.
Joining Lee will be Dubliners Karl Brabazon (St Saviours) at welter and Neilstown light-heavyweight Ken Egan. All three emerged unbeaten to take gold in last week's Four Nations battle of national champions in Liverpool.
When the Cubans extend their European tour in Dublin's National Stadium for another match against the Four Nations team on Friday fortnight additional Irish champions will be drafted into the side. "As hosts in Dublin we will be in a position to name more of our champions." says IABA president Dom O'Rourke.
CRICKET: Australia beat New Zealand by nine wickets to win the third and final Test with a day to spare yesterday and clinch the three-match series 2-0. Australia also won the first Test by nine wickets while the second match was washed out.
