Jockey who broke his jaw, cheekbone and eye-socket closing on racecourse return

Jockey Paddy Kennedy will seek clearance next month to return to the saddle for the first time since a heavy fall in May, as he continues his recovery from a concussion issue.

Kennedy was brought down aboard 100-1 chance Lady De Vesci in an incident that saw five of a 20-strong mares' maiden hurdle field exit at the first flight at Punchestown last year.

As well as suffering a concussion, the 33-year-old brother of leading rider Jack broke his jaw in five places, his cheekbone in three places and his eye-socket in two places.

Paddy Kennedy: bagged Grade 2 last season aboard Ashdale BobCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Kennedy enjoyed his best season yet in Ireland last term with 18 winners, including a Grade 2 success aboard Ashdale Bob.

"I'm waiting for a test in February after taking a step in the right direction by passing a driving test recently," Kennedy told the Racing Post.

"Medically I needed to be passed for driving, and thankfully that went well. My headaches aren't as bad any more and the facial side of things has healed up well, so hopefully the rest will keep progressing."

Phillip Enright will learn more next week about the timeframe surrounding his return from a broken ankle suffered at Naas on December 16.

It was unfortunate timing for the 34-year-old given ally Robert Tyner enjoyed a purple patch over the festive period.

Phillip Enright: out of action following fall at Naas last monthCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I had an operation before Christmas and will head to see [specialist] Paddy Kenny on Tuesday," said Enright.

"I'm hoping towards the end of this month might be possible, but we'll see how things go."

Dublin Racing Festival-winning rider Kevin Brouder is hoping for better luck at the start of 2022 than he has endured since injuring his hip and femur in a fall at Tipperary in July.

Brouder said: "Hopefully it is making progress as I haven't had much luck, with a couple of surgeries and infections. I'm probably looking at another couple of months out, but fingers crossed it won't be too long."

Richie Condon's return appears more imminent, having fractured his T7 vertebra in a fall while riding in America last October.

Richie Condon: memorably steered Heaven Help Us to victory in last year's Coral CupCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

It was still a lucrative Stateside trip for the 25-year-old, notably bagging the Grand National Hurdle at Far Hills aboard The Mean Queen in October.

Condon, who caused a 33-1 upset in last season's Coral Cup on Heaven Help Us, said: "I was back riding out on Monday, and fingers crossed, I'll be on track before the end of the month to get a few rides in before the Dublin Racing Festival."

Bright young talent Conor McNamara is set for an MRI to determine the extent of the damage on a thumb injury suffered in a fall at Leopardstown on December 28.

McNamara said: "If the ligaments happen to be severed I'll need an operation, but if not then hopefully it'll be just two or three weeks of keeping it wrapped."

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