Gallagher back next week

DEAN GALLAGHER is now likely to return to the saddle next week as he takes up his new job as stable jockey to Francois Doumen.

The champion hurdle-winning rider was banned for 18 months in November 2002 after testing positive for cocaine, and his announcement this week that he would resume riding came as something of a surprise.

The 35-year-old had been expected to be in action at a meeting at Vichy in central France on Saturday, but has been held up by red tape.