William Buick is not expected to need surgery on a back injury suffered in a fall in America and is preparing to fly home to England.

Buick was hurt when he came off the Mark Johnston-trained Permian in the Grade One Secretariat Stakes at Arlington when the colt fractured a foreleg.

Permian had to be put down because of his injury while Johnston’s son and assistant, Charlie, said Buick had been taken to hospital in Chicago complaining of back pain.

The Daily Racing Form later reported the jockey had suffered a fractured T12 vertebra, but would not require surgery.

Buick is set to see a specialist on Tuesday, when more will be known about how long he may be on the sidelines.

“It could have been an awful lot worse. I’ve spoken to him and he is in good spirits,” Buick’s father Walter said.

Buick is No.1 rider to Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby.

Credit: PAA