Thomas on road to recovery

Sam Thomas took an important step towards returning to racecourse action by riding out this morning.

Luck has not been on Thomas’ side this season as despite forging a useful partnership with trainer Tom George, he suffered a hairline fracture of his upper back in a fall on the gallops at Paul Nicholls’ stable in early March.

The injury caused him to miss the Cheltenham Festival and while he is hoping to be back in time for the John Smith’s Grand National a week on Saturday, the jockey is taking things steady at this stage.

“I’m back riding – I tried for the first time this morning and it feels really good,” said Thomas.

“I’m taking it slowly and carefully and one step at a time – I don’t want to make any promises I can’t fulfil.

“Obviously I would love to get back as soon as possible and I will try to ride every day from now on.

“I have been seeing a specialist and hopefully it is all going to work out.”