Hearses to horses: Paul Robson returns to saddle after 14 years as an undertaker

A jockey who gave up riding 14 years ago to become an undertaker is set to make a remarkable return to the saddle at Kelso on Sunday.

Paul Robson rode 89 winners over jumps before quitting in 2005 to set up a funeral directors with his parents. But he has decided to resurrect his riding career, starting on the Nicky Richards-trained Headscarf Lil in Kelso's bumper.

"Four or five years ago the idea to return first crossed my mind and since then I've never stopped riding," said Robson. "I'm taking the racing extremely seriously as it's something I've always wanted to do."

The 35-year-old, who launched the Scottish Borders-based Robson's Funeral Directors, said: "I could not have come back before now. I had a business to build and it's taken ten years of dedication to get it to this point.

"I've had more time in the mornings to get away and ride out before returning to look after things in the afternoon as I normally would. We have brilliant staff in place who continue to serve the community."

Richards has long been one of the rider's most loyal patrons. The trainer has supplied the majority of his career winners and was one of the first men Robson sought out following his plan to make a stunning comeback.

Robson said: "Nicky was always going to be my first port of call. I had a chat with everyone I used to ride for in the past as I needed to deal with people who I trusted, trusted me and knew I was taking this very seriously. I’m not coming back to mess about."

On giving Robson his return ride, Richards said: "He feels there is unfinished with the job and has got himself fit and ready. He's been back with us for three or four months and I thought this was a great opportunity to give him a ride.

"He's worked extremely hard to get into this position and if a man works hard at the game I'll always try to help them."

Nicky Richards: 'If a man works hard at the game I'll always try to help them'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Robson said his appetite for riding winners had never been so strong as he prepares to dust off the cobwebs at his local course.

He said: "I've done a lot of showjumping, eventing and hunting, which has given me a broader spectrum of horsemanship which I know I can utilise on the racetrack. I'm also delighted this is at Kelso as it's my home track."

Wary of the naysayers who may question his return, Robson added: "Plenty of people might suggest I'm too old and I have a point to prove given the age I am, but I'm more driven than ever before. My target will always be to ride as many winners as I possibly can."

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