Tasmanian jockey David Pires was taken to hospital for observation following a fall at the start of the final race at Devonport on Sunday.

Pires was dislodged from the Gaetan Delon-trained Wholesome when the barriers opened, bringing an abrupt end to his day on the track.

According to Tasracing.com.au, Pires was transported to hospital for precautionary checks before being released later that evening.

“He was taken to hospital for observation but was released on Sunday night with back and knee soreness,” the report stated.

Despite the setback, Pires remains among Tasmania’s leading riders this season with 24 winners to his name.

Meanwhile, multiple Tasmanian premiership-winning jockey Anthony Darmanin is set to make his long-awaited return to race riding at Hobart on Sunday.

The Victorian-based rider has been sidelined for almost five months after suffering a fractured T12 vertebra in a training track accident in January.

Darmanin’s return will be welcomed by Tasmanian racing participants and fans alike, with the experienced horseman having enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career in the state.