Jamie Spencer is odds-on favourite to land his first jockeys' title after rival Robert Winston was sidelined with a broken jaw. Winston was injured in a crashing fall at Ayr on Saturday night, and underwent surgery early on Monday.
The 25-year-old was riding Pearl's A Singer in the Farrans Utilities Maiden Voyage Handicap when the filly appeared to slip on the home bend.
He was sent crashing through the rails. Three other horses were brought down.
The rest of the meetng was abandoned due to unsafe ground.
Winston suffered multiple fractures to his jaw and was taken to Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock for treatment.
He was on top of the jockeys' championship with 98 winners but his chances of a first title have gone as he will be out of action for at least two months.
Spencer is now rated 4-6 favourite, with nearest challenger Seb Sanders at 11-10.
Winston's injury marks the latest twist in a mixed year for the rider.
In February, he was arrested by City of London police investigating allegations of race-fixing.
The former champion apprentice is one of six jockeys to have been questioned in the inquiry.
All the jockeys have denied any wrongdoing, and have been bailed until October.
Winston later emerged as a genuine title contender with a succession of eye-catching wins.
MMIX
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