A leading doctor has said it is a ‘miracle’ that young Kildare rider Francis Lawlor, taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast with what could have been serious head injuries following a fall at Down Royal on Friday night, is set to be allowed home in the next few days.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, Turf Club medical officer, said: “He is still very groggy but he is in good shape.

“He will be in hospital for a further three or four days but there is no brain damage. We have a real miracle on our hands.”

The 19-year-old claimer, from Ballitore in Co Kildare, suffered a heavy fall when Hammer It Home crashed out at the third last in the Data Select Handicap Hurdle.

Meanwhile, a mixed card kicks off the two-day fixture at Ballinrobe this evening where the opening meeting of 2010 heralded in a new era for the popular Mayo venue as their upgraded facilities were unveiled.

Spectators for tonight's fare may be glad to avail of the greater areas of shelter, never mind the smarter bars and restaurant, if the forecast for showers comes to pass following watering of the prevailing fast ground.

As the session's most valuable event, the mares handicap hurdle — sponsored by the western region of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association — fittingly has a competitive-looking field with Gudnis Gracious Me, Queen Of Cool, Caffeine Craze and Fearnwood Girl all winners last time out.

The former pair ultimately could prove the main players as Caffeine Craze won over three miles at Punchestown and Fearnwood Girl at the minimum trip in Sligo.

In contrast, Queen Of Cool opened her account in some style at Killarney over two-and-a-half miles and the trail-blazing Gudnis Gracious Me delivered over slightly lesser yardage at Downpatrick.

The latter can be expected to ensure a proper stamina test again under Sean McDermott, but the manner in which Tim Doyle's Queen Of Cool quickened up to score at the Kerry track suggested there would be more to come from her.

Kerry native McDermott could be better rewarded in the concluding Supermacs Handicap Hurdle as Aidan Howard's Daggers Bond is back in action under a mandatory 6lb penalty after Friday night's Cork success, while an 8lb hike might not prevent Gerry Keane's Lynott from following up a Roscommon victory in the FBD Insurance Handicap under Davy Moran.

The Jennings Meats Handicap is the opening leg of the Jackpot and is a tricky affair in which no more than a hopeful vote goes to Kieran Cotter's Coughlans Locke, which has a previous course and distance success to recommend Shane Foley's mount.