IT HAS been a long, old road back but I am delighted to be able to announce that I plan to return to the saddle on the opening day of next season on Saturday May 4th.
So any rides at Uttoxeter or Hexham gratefully received!
It seems an age ago that I broke my leg at Taunton on December 13th, and then had shoulder surgery on January 27th, but everything has gone as smoothly as possible since then.
The team at Oaksey House have been unbelievable to me, from the receptionists to the gym staff and the physios and specialists.
Such a brilliant outfit from top to bottom.
My generation of jockeys are incredibly fortunate to be able to call upon that facility when needed; the old-school riders must have had it incredibly tough on their return from injury.
I rode out for the first time since Taunton on a horse called Manor Park at Alan King’s on April 15th – I tend to ride out at Kingy’s on Mondays – and I can tell you that I felt as good as I have ever done when coming back from injury.
Aside from those involved in my medical and physical rehabilitation, I have to say a massive thank you to Max McNeill and his team for their support.
Their loyalty throughout my spell on the sidelines has given me a belief as well as a peace of mind, and I can’t speak highly enough of them.
They maybe have 30 or so horses for next season, with three or four for the summer, so I hope to repay their kindness and faith in the coming weeks and months.
Inevitably, I got a bit heavy during my time out but I am back at my fighting weight now and the other big news is that I have changed my agent and am now with Dave Roberts.
Hopefully, that will be a further spur to a great 2019-20 season.
Adrian
