Fehily was taken to Fazakerley Hospital in Liverpool after being unseated from the Evan Williams-trained 12-year-old at the fifth fence.

He is likely to be transferred to a hospital nearer his Lambourn home following surgery.

"Noel has fractured his leg, which is a worry. He's having an operation this morning," said Williams.

"He's in Fazakerley then he's being moved this afternoon apparently, down somewhere closer to home.

"That was the only disappointment and upset for me that poor Noel broke his leg in the fall when he got unseated from State Of Play."