Jason Maguire© Photo Healy Racing
Jason Maguire made the perfect comeback after six months out of the saddle through injury when winning on Bonne Fee at Newton Abbott, his first ride back.
Maguire was kicked in the stomach on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival in March, suffering a fractured sternum and bleeding on his liver.
His return in the Royal British Legion Mares' Novices' Hurdle could not have gone any easier as Kim Bailey's seven-year-old travelled sweetly throughout, pulling clear before the home turn.
Maguire allowed himself a leisurely look around after jumping the last to see there were no dangers to the 5-6 favourite and coasted home.
Bailey told At The Races: "Jason lives very locally to us and comes in regularly to ride work and school plenty of lots
"We're aware that we are very much second fiddle to Donald McCain but he's a massive cog in our operation.
"We were delighted he came back quicker than anticipated."
Bailey also had news of stable star Harry Topper, who is in line for his own comeback next month.
He said: "Harry is on course for a repeat bid in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, that's the plan."
