Winston ready for return

ROBERT Winston is eager to get back in the saddle as his 12-month suspension approaches its conclusion.

Winston was handed the ban by the old Horseracing Regulatory Authority after being found guilty of passing information for reward.

“I’m just putting the finishing touches to my fitness as I’ll be back riding in about four or five weeks time, so I decided to come back and ride out after racing (at Southwell on Tuesday),” said Winston.

“The first couple of months were hard but after that I really enjoyed the break to be honest.

“I totally switched off and I had a few little problems to sort out but I have got rid of the excess baggage now.

“I went up to over 10st. I wanted to put some weight on for a change after the years of wasting and it has done me really well.

“I’ve been back training for the past couple of months though, and I’m down to about 9st now.

“My mind is really focused this year and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m really looking forward to getting going again.

“The year out has done me the world of good and I just can’t wait to get going,” he told At The Races.