Champion jockey Charlie Swan underwent an operation yesterday to have a metal plate inserted in his right arm after his horrific fall at Roscommon on Monday. Swan fractured both his arms in a fall from Hot Bunny and faces a lengthy stay on the sidelines.

He was found to have broken the ulna bone in his right arm and yesterday's operation was to correct the break. A heavy plaster was applied to his left arm.

Swan's wife Tina described the rider as being in good spirits and will return home today.

Monday's accident brings to six the number of times Swan has suffered arm breaks but he insisted immediately after the fall that he will resume his riding career over hurdles, especially with Istrabaq waiting for him.

The jockey was rushed to Roscommon County Hospital on Monday evening but later returned to the racecourse to watch one of the horses he trains beaten in a photo finish.