'I was close to dying but now I'm fitter than ever' - George Buckell hoping to reignite riding career

Apprentice George Buckell is hoping to reignite his career after battling back from a drug addiction that nearly cost him his life.

The 3lb claimer is delighted to be back riding and says he feels fitter than before, with George Boughey and Mick Appleby among the trainers offering support on his return to the saddle.

Buckell, who has had 45 winners in Britain in addition to more in the UAE, said his addiction to drink and drugs spiralled out of control following a spell in Dubai in 2022 and resulted in him being rushed to hospital.

But advice from Race's (Racing, Addictions and Coping with Emotions) Sam Warren and a chance encounter with old ally Appleby set him on the path back to the sport.

The Newmarket-based rider, who has been drink and drug free for 17 months, said: "I was in a situation where I was blue-lighted to hospital as my heart nearly stopped on me. I was very close to dying.

"My riding career wasn't going how I wanted it to here and I went out to Dubai to break in yearlings, but when I came back in 2022 things just spiralled out of control. I was doing drink and drugs every other day.

"That day at the hospital, I woke up and had my family around me. We decided something had to be done, so we got in touch with Sam Warren at Race, which is a charity that helps people who are struggling with addiction and mental health in racing."

Hukum and his rider George Buckell at Snarehill, Shadwell's rehabilitation centre in Thetford, in 2022Credit: Edward Whitaker

He has worked for the likes of David Simcock, Richard Spencer and John and Thady Gosden in recent years as well as a spell with Shadwell before his addiction issues.

He added: "Race started taking me to Narcotics Anonymous and I still do meetings now twice a week. Shortly after that I was working for a horse transport company and I was at Royal Ascot when I bumped into Mick Appleby, who I'd ridden a good few winners for in the past, and he just said I should never have given up riding.

"That conversation just lit something in me and I couldn't get it out of my head. I wondered if I could give it another go and started working on my weight."

He added: "I rang up Oisin Murphy, who had a similar spell out of the saddle a few years ago. He gave me some advice about my weight and it started dropping off.

"I then went to see George Boughey. I've had stints with George before and he said he would love to have me back, and that as long as I was in the right frame of mind and I worked hard there would be opportunities for me."

With the support of new agent Donna Witheford, Buckell is determined to put everything into his comeback bid, and has his first ride for Boughey since his return at Lingfield on Tuesday when he partners McKenna in division one of the mile maiden (12.27).

He added: "I'm in the gym every day and I'm fitter than I've ever been and I'm now down to 8st 13lb. I ride out for George through the week and go into Mick Appleby's every Saturday. I want to give it 100 per cent and hope that my career reignites and I can ride winners again."

Anyone in racing with addiction issues can contact Sam Warren on the R.A.C.E Facebook page. Racing Welfare also exists for everyone who works in racing and bloodstock from recruitment to retirement and beyond. To contact the 24-hour helpline, please call 08006300443.