Fitzgerald plans October comeback

Leading jump jockey Mick Fitzgerald plans to return to race riding in early October, it has been reported today.

He has been sidelined with a broken left ankle since June which needed reconstructive surgery.

Nicky Henderson’s stable jockey looks set for a resumption early next month following X-rays and a consultation with his specialist, orthopaedic surgeon Michael Foy, at the Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, UK this week.

“In another couple of weeks everything should be fully healed. When I return to see Michael Foy for a check-up on October 1 hopefully I’ll get the go-head to ride again immediately, or at worst, a few days later,” he told the Racing Post.

“At the end of that week the season starts to get busy with the Free Handicap Hurdle meeting at Chepstow, and I’m anxious to be back by then. It has been frustrating, but there’s a firm target now and I cannot wait to get back.”

He sustained the injury in a fall at Market Rasen on June 11 when he was unshipped from Rock’n Cold, who spooked on the way to post for a novices’ chase and was subsequently withdrawn.

Fitzgerald is nearing a landmark in his distinguished riding career having partnered 993 domestic winners.