Turner boost for Gannon

Cathy Gannon has taken encouragement from the return of her friendly rival Hayley Turner as she continues to make progress from her broken leg.

Gannon suffered a fractured right femur when unseated from a horse before a race at Nottingham in October but has been working on her fitness at Oaksey House in Lambourn.

“It’s going really good,” said Gannon. “I’ve just been able to stop using the crutches and I’m allowed to drive again, so I’ve been able to get out and about.

“I’ve been to physio two or three times a week and hopefully I’ll be back riding out in February.”

Gannon’s fellow leading lady rider Turner only returned this week from four months off with a broken ankle, riding a winner at Wolverhampton on Wednesday night.

Gannon said: “It’s been very frustrating but I was pleased to see Hayley back and I can’t wait to get back myself.

“I’m off to Jamaica in January and have been back and forth to Ireland killing time, but hopefully I’ll be back soon.”