Rachael Blackmore aiming to return week before Christmas as she continues rehabilitation for neck injury sustained in September

Rachael Blackmore is aiming to return to the saddle the week before Christmas as she continues her recovery from a neck injury.

The Grand National-winning jockey has been on the sidelines since suffering the injury in a fall at Downpatrick on September 20. Darragh O'Keeffe has deputised as number one jockey for the Henry de Bromhead stable in her absence, but Blackmore hopes to be back in time for a busy festive period of racing.

Speaking to Betfair, she said: "All going well, I’m hoping to be back the week before Christmas. Initially, I thought I’d be out for just a few weeks at most, but I quickly learned that when your neck is involved, the whole recovery process is slowed down."

Blackmore credited the assistance of the Irish Injured Jockeys and Racing Academy and Centre of Education (Race) for the help provided during her recovery.

"I’ve been very fortunate, along with others, to be able to use the services of Irish Injured Jockeys to help on the road to recovery," she said. "Physio, strength and conditioning, and any other support you could need are all available. They’ve set up a mini rehabilitation centre at Race on the Curragh as they wait for development to start on a new facility.

"It’s such a help to have a place like this to go to. Between there and my local Patric Fitness, I’m doing more in the gym than I’ve ever done before."

De Bromhead's Knockeen yard has been in flying form in recent weeks and the trainer saddled the winner of the three-year-old hurdle and two maiden hurdles at Punchestown last weekend. The younger brigade are also supplemented by established stars such as Envoi Allen and Quilixios, who both made winning returns and could be set for tilts at the King George and Tingle Creek next month.

Blackmore added: "I feel good, and progress is being made all the time. As jockeys, we’re lucky to have such good people helping us get back. I’m counting down the days to my return. 

"It’s great to see Henry’s horses have been running so well. Obviously I wish I wasn’t watching them from the couch. There are some really nice horses in the yard and I can’t wait to get back racing and be part of it again."

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