Denton Hall News

'It's great to be back!' Rhys Elliott rides out for first time since horrific fall

Apprentice jockey Rhys Elliott returned to riding out on the gallops for Michael Dods this morning four months after he suffered multiple injuries in a fall at Newcastle.

The young rider, who was enjoying a breakthrough season with 15 winners when the horrific accident happened, declared: “It’s great to be back!”

Rhys suffered a punctured lung and small fractures to the neck and spine in the fall from Masterpainter on October 15, and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

However, following intensive rehabilitation, Rhys was back on the Denton Hall gallops this morning for the first time since the fall.

He rode two lots – the first on King’s Crown and the second on a two-year-old by Zoustar (pictured below) – and emerged with his trademark smile on his face.

The 7lbs claimer said: “It feels like a long time, and it was a bit daunting, but it’s great to be back. Everything felt great, with no pain, so it’s a big relief to be back doing what I love.”

Having passed all his medical tests, Rhys has been given the go-ahead to resume race-riding from February 1.

“I’m not setting any targets, I just can’t wait to get back to where I left off – riding winners,” he said.

Michael Dods said: “It was a really nasty fall, so we’re all delighted to see Rhys back riding and we look forward to him having him back on the racecourse soon.”

After riding out this morning, Rhys was straight off to Jack Berry House, at Malton, to continue building up his strength, with sessions in the gym, pool, as well as physio and nutrition.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support I’ve had – my family, the team at Michael Dods Racing, Jack Berry House, the medical staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, colleagues in the weighing room, and my agent, Paul Brierley.”

• Main picture shows Rhys after riding his first lot on King's Crown