Eddy Greatrex given all-clear to return to race-riding after back injury

Flat jockey Eddy Greatrex, who has been off since June 22 after suffering with a cyst problem in his lower back, has been given the all-clear to make a return to the saddle.

Greatrex aggravated the injury after a parade-ring fall before the Chesham at Royal Ascot, but a subsequent operation went well and the young rider said on Wednesday afternoon: "I've been back riding out for a week and a half and I'm clear to ride from Saturday.

"It feels like it's been forever, even though it's only been since the end of June. Hopefully I can start as I left off and I'm just looking forward to getting back."

The son of Lambourn jumps trainer Warren added: "I won't really have any targets for the rest of the year, just to get as many rides as I can and enjoy it. I've been looking forward to this for so long and it'll just be nice to get back in the winner's enclosure, when it does come."

Musaddas: won the Balmoral Handicap under Eddy Greatrex in 2015Credit: Edward Whitaker

Greatrex, whose biggest victory came at Ascot in the Balmoral Handicap on Godolphin's Musaddas in 2015, had enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Archie Watson – no jockey has ridden more winners for the prolific trainer – but he is now looking to broaden his horizons.

"Because I've missed a major part of the season, it'll be good for me to stay around on the all-weather this winter and build up contacts, get into the swing of things again," added the 21-year-old, whose twin brother Tom has been enjoying a good run on the Flat this summer.

"Eve Johnson Houghton has always been very good to me since the start of my career and I'll ride out for her once or twice a week and I'll be spreading my wings a bit in Newmarket, riding out for trainers there two or three times a week. I've never really done that, so it'll be interesting and I'm excited about it.

"It'll be the first time I haven't really been attached to anyone, so hopefully it will open up a lot more doors. Trainers in Newmarket have used me, even when I didn't ride out for them, so hopefully I can make an impact."

Greatrex, who began riding in 2015, partnered a seasonal-best 72 winners last season and has recorded 20 victories this year.

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