Jockey Fanning nears return

Joe Fanning is looking forward to returning to the saddle on Saturday after being out of action for three weeks with a broken left collarbone.

The jockey, who sustained the injury in a seven-horse pile-up at Ayr on July 13, plans to ride out on Wednesday at Mark Johnston's stable in preparation for his comeback.

"I hope to be back at the weekend and I'm going to ride out at Mark's on Wednesday. The injury has just been one of those awkward things," said Fanning.

"It's OK now. There's a big improvement. It's been three weeks today so it will be nearly four weeks when I get back. I think I might start back at Redcar on Saturday.

"It's been frustrating as it came at a real busy time of the year. Mark had a great Goodwood and he's having a good year.

"I'm ready to get back now. I've been having physio and it seems good now."