Aidan Coleman heaps praise on 'unbelievable' Oaksey House as he nears return

Aidan Coleman has heaped praise on the Injured Jockeys Fund's Oaksey House rehabilitation centre as he revealed he would make his comeback from an 11-week spell on the sidelines at Fakenham on Friday.

Paisley Park's regular jockey sustained a complex arm fracture in a fall at Southwell on July 30, since when he has been a regular visitor to Lambourn's Oaksey House, which, like the IJF's Jack Berry House in Malton and Peter O'Sullevan House in Newmarket, has transformed the way jockeys recover from injuries.

Coleman, whose most recent major triumph came aboard Put The Kettle On in last season's Arkle Challenge Trophy, was given the formal green light to return following a medical visit on Wednesday morning.

He is due to partner the Olly Murphy-trained Here Comes Johny in Fakenham's maiden hurdle (2.10), before riding chasing debutant Skandiburg for the same stable in the following contest (2.40).

Aidan Coleman returns in victory after landing the 2020 Arkle on Put The Kettle OnCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"Oaksey House is an unbelievable facility," said Coleman. "I remember a time before it existed and I'm sure if I had sustained this injury in those days, I would have been off for a minimum of six months.

"I was in there two weeks after the fall and since then I've been going in five days a week and spending a minimum of two hours there every day. I've had between 70 and 80 sessions and the more time I've spent there, the more I've come to realise what an amazing place it really is.

"It's hard for me to express just how grateful I am, not only for them getting me back in a little under three months but also for making that time so enjoyable."

Coleman added: "While I've been at Oaksey House I've been working with Sam Twiston-Davies, Alan Johns, Harry Reed and David Bass, while Gavin Sheehan and Niall Houlihan are in there now. It's a revolving door place and they are making a massive difference to so many people. My story would be echoed by countless other jockeys.

"Going to Oaksey House has been fantastic for my fitness but it's also been great for me mentally, as I've been working hard and focusing on coming back. That has kept my mind happy and active – I haven't just been sitting down with my arm in a sling."

Aidan Coleman aboard the star in his riding pack, Paisley ParkCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Coleman, who also has words of praise for BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill, is looking forward to renewing associations with a number of leading trainers, including Murphy, Anthony Honeyball, Charlie Longsdon and Emma Lavelle.

He said: "The last injury I had that kept me off for more than two weeks was in 2011. For a jump jockey, I've done well in that regard, but because I've been so busy for a number of years, I've actually enjoyed getting off the wheel for a while.

"I'm definitely fitter, healthier and stronger than I've ever been – but without Oaksey House a hard job would have been much harder."

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