Leading jockeys Robbie Power and Danny Mullins nearing return to the saddle

Robbie Power and Danny Mullins, two leading lights of the Irish weighing room, are expecting to return to the saddle within the space of a week having been sidelined since the summer.

Power has not ridden since May, following back surgery earlier the same month, but reports himself in good shape ahead of an imminent return.

The Grand National-winning rider said: "I saw the specialist on Monday and he is happy with how everything is coming along. I will be back within the week. I will be ten weeks post-op next Monday and that's the guideline to start back race-riding after the operation.

"I've been working hard on my fitness and I'm feeling good. Things are coming along well and I'm raring to go. I've been riding out for Gordon Elliott, Jessica Harrington and Henry de Bromhead and the plan is to return within the week. I've been keeping myself very busy and I can't wait to get back on the racecourse now."

Mullins has been out of action since fracturing his C7 vertebra and crushing his T5 and T6 in a fall from Summer Hill at Limerick in July but confirmed he will return at Gowran on Friday.

He said: "I've been riding out and schooling plenty over the past week or ten days and I'm looking forward to coming back on Friday. I've done a lot of work in the gym and had been planning to come back for Listowel but the specialist told me to wait and give it another week. I've been given the green light and am looking forward to coming back at Gowran Park."

Read more:

Champion Chase heroine Put The Kettle On to return to action on Saturday

Hollie Doyle to miss Cadran ride on Trueshan after panel upholds seven-day ban

'I told everyone to back her' – hear all about the mum who won on a 66-1 shot

Jordan Gainford taken to hospital for x-rays after dramatic final-fence incident

New 888 customers can get £40 in free bets when they place a £10 bet. £10 deposit using promo code "RACING". The first bet must be placed on horseracing. Minimum stake £10 at odds of 1/2 (1.5). Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after seven days. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time. General deposit method and withdrawal restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Click here to claim the offer