Paul Townend almost ready for return © Photo Healy Racing
Paul Townend is looking forward to getting back on the racecourse in the near future as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder suffered at the Listowel festival in September.
The champion jockey reports himself to be “very close” to a return to action ahead some prestigious contests over the Christmas period.
Talking to journalist Dave Keena at Punchestown on Sunday he confirmed that his comeback is imminent:-
“I'm very close to it now. It's very different coming racing when you're not riding and watching the boys riding today, it's hard to see them, but hopefully I'll be back for Christmas.”
When asked how his recovery was progressing he added:-
“Very well, everyone is very happy with it and it's just a matter now of getting it stable enough to be able to do (myself) justice on the racecourse.
“We're very close to that and I'd riding out and everything so I'm itching to get back out there.
“In the ideal world you'd like a few spins around before Christmas but I won't be back until I can do everyone justice. The horses are too important and we just have to get it right.”
Irish Injured Jockeys are running a series of videos over the next few weeks focusing on riders currently on the sidelines and Townend paid tribute to the work of the fund:-
“We are very lucky to have it and without it we would be in big trouble. When we are on the sidelines we aren't earning and they look after us really well.
“It's like a safety blanket when you are unfortunate enough to be on the sidelines.”
