Jockey Paul Mulrennan returns to action at Newcastle on Tuesday evening, for the first time since sustaining a triple-back fracture.
Mulrennan injured himself on the gallops while riding out for regular trainer Michael Dods back in July, an injury he had hoped would only keep him sidelined for six weeks.
He had been enjoying a fine season last campaign until then, picking up a couple of wins in Group Three's - Judicial in the Coral Charge, along with subsequent Abbaye winner Mabs Cross in the Palace House.
With two leading chances on the eight-race All-weather card, Mulrennan has said he can't wait to get back.
(Credit: Racing Post) He said. "It's been a long time but it's a new year now. I've been in the gym a lot at Jack Berry House, they've done a great job there and really looked after me. I'm as fit as I can be and just need a few rides now to get my eye back in.
"It's just one of those injuries that you've got to give time and make sure you're 100 per cent right. I've been back riding for six weeks now at Michael Dods' and they look like they've got a really nice bunch of horses that I can look forward to this year," he said.
The feature race is the Betway Conditions Stakes over five furlongs, which acts as a fast-track qualifier for All-Weather Championships.
Encore D'Or leads a field of seven and looks favoured by the weights, but will need to respond after a poor effort on his last visit, opening the door for Mulrennan, who rides the Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained Suzi's Connoisseur.
Half an hour later Mulrennan is in the saddle again, this time on Julie Camacho's Royal Prospect, who the jockey partnered to success at this course in November 2017.