Leading rider Jamie Spencer is expected to make his long awaited return to the saddle this weekend after a lengthy spell off the track with injury.
The former champion jockey has not been seen on a racecourse since April, after suffering a very nasty injury which saw him break his hip during a freak accident on the Newmarket gallops.
The 40 year old rider was riding out for David Simcock when a two year old of the trainers was spooked and slipped over close to the gallops.
(Credit AtTheRaces and Unibet) Spencer said: “It has been a long three months since I suffered my injury on April 17, but I am delighted to say that I passed all the relevant tests on Wednesday afternoon and I have been cleared to return this weekend.
“Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser, has seen the reports, and also spoke to my consultant earlier in the week, and he is happy for me to book rides as of now.
“My recovery has been slow and sometimes frustrating and getting the balance right as regards training versus the pain levels has been interesting and challenging, but thankfully I have now reached the point I targeted from the morning after surgery.”
Spencer has missed a large chunk of the season but with racing being delayed due to the on going crisis in the world, he will now be able to get going in the later part of the season, starting on Saturday.
The experienced Irishman had only won five races on the all weather before racing was bought to a halt, but now he is looking forward to getting back in the winners enclosure and thanks his team massively for helping him make a full recovery so soon.
He added: “I have been very fortunate that I have had a great team advising and encouraging me from day one of the injury.
“They range from Andrew Carrothers, my surgeon, to Kevin Hunt, my physio, and Ross Hollinworth, who has been a massive help training me at Sir Peter O’Sullevan House, which is an amazing set-up, especially with their hydro pool.
“So, after satisfying the necessary X-ray and fitness tests, and the general medical, I am pleased to report that I have been cleared to return to race-riding this weekend.”