1,000 Guineas-winning jockey Sean Levey on the mend

Sean Levey, who rode his first Classic winner in May on Billesdon Brook in the 1,000 Guineas, is inching closer to a return to riding after suffering an injury at Salisbury in June in a fall from the Richard Hannon-trained Sirinapha.

Initially thought to be a broken collarbone, Levey's injuries were later revealed to be more serious to the extent that he required a shoulder operation.

Billesdon Brook wins 1,000 Guineas: result and race replay

Speaking to the Racing Post on Tuesday, he said: "I had an assessment yesterday and it's good news. The stabiliser plate is going to be taken out tomorrow and once that's out I can start my work at Oaksey House."

He elaborated on the results of his surgery: "I had a plate and a few screws put in. This bigger stabiliser plate went through my shoulder and my collarbone, so it's a big step forward to be getting that out."

Levey had initially been planning to return in time to ride Hannon's Billesdon Brook in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood but, while he is set to return significantly later, he can now think seriously about riding once more.

Billesdon Brook and Sean Levey hold off all challengers to land the 1,000 Guineas at NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

However, before his rehabilitation starts later this week an exact return date can not be nailed down. He said: "I've been told it's not a big thing to fix once this plate is out, but I'll know a lot more once I start working on it and we'll see where we are then."

Levey rode a career-best 73 winners in 2017 and was on 26 for this year prior to suffering his injury.

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