Jonathan Burke closing in on riding return

Jonathan Burke could be back in action as soon as next weekend after some winter sun helped speed up his recovery from a neck injury.

The leading jockey has been sidelined since suffering a heavy fall at Thurles last month, but is closing in on a comeback after enjoying a break in Dubai with close friend and former jockey Davy Condon, who was forced to retire from the saddle after injuring his spine in a fall in last year's Grand National at Aintree.

"I just had a little bit of time in Dubai with Davy Condon, who is now living and working over there. I had a great week and I'm feeling great after it, so I'm looking forward to getting back," Burke told At The Races.

"I go back to the specialist on Tuesday and I'd be looking at maybe a week from there. I'd be looking at the weekend and if not the weekend maybe the following Thursday.

"All the lads in the weighing room were saying the heat would work wonders and it definitely has. I'm feeling great, I have no pain at all and I've started swimming."