All systems go for Fitz

Mick Fitzgerald will return to action at Sandown on Saturday after being passed fit to resume riding.

The jockey, who has been on to the sidelines after suffering a broken arm at Sandown on February 7, visited specialist Dr Michael Foy today for fresh X-rays on his injuries.

Nicky Henderson, for whom Fitzgerald rides as stable jockey, confirmed that the prognosis was good.

“Mick has just rung me to say that he has got the all-clear,” said Henderson. “AP (McCoy) will ride Back to Ben Alder for me at Sandown tomorrow, but Mick will definitely have a few rides on Saturday, including Saintsaire in the Imperial Cup.

“It has been great being able to use jockeys like AP and Barry Geraghty, especially as my other two lads are out through injury as well.

“But it would be impossible next week without Mick. He has done so much work with so many of my horses and knows them so well that it is great news for us.”