Barry Geraghty back from 'worst break of career' and eyeing Listowel return

Barry Geraghty is back riding out more than four months after suffering what he has described as the worst break of his career and now has his sights set on a September comeback at Listowel.

Geraghty broke both the tibia and fibula just above his right ankle when Peregrine Run fell three out in the Topham Chase at Aintree in early April, rendering his right leg in a frame for 13 weeks.

He returned to the saddle on Tuesday morning at Gavin Cromwell's stable, where he joined Paul Carberry for a few lots and the 39-year-old was pleasantly surprised by his fitness.

"I went back on Tuesday at Gavin's and it was better than I thought," said Geraghty. "I was actually fitter than I thought I would be. I had done a good bit of work on the bike so that obviously helped and I felt very good.

Barry Geraghty: punches the air after winning the Champion Hurdle on the brilliant Buveur D'AirCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I had a frame on for 13 weeks and I got it off at the start of July. I would say it was the worst break I've ever had. The frame did a really good job, but the last couple of weeks I had it on were tough. The pins and needles down low at my ankles would tear a lot, probably because there was more movement happening.

"I'm due to see my surgeon, David Moore, in early September and I would hope to be back riding at Listowel.

"I'm fit and well again now and close to coming back into the heat of the action, so I'm very much looking forward to it. It does swell up a bit still, but it's improving as every day goes by."

Geraghty has not ridden since April 5 but he revealed his weight has barely budged.

"Would you believe I barely put on a pound. I was 10-8 when I got the frame off, I was 10-10 during Galway and I was 10-9 when I weighed myself yesterday. That's why I married a nutritionist! I might not have been riding but I was kept busy. Kids will always keep you busy."

Moscow Flyer and Barry Geraghty win the 2005 Champion ChaseCredit: Mirrorpix

Geraghty remains JP McManus's number one rider and the green and gold team were dealt a blow last week when it was revealed Espoir D'Allen would be out for the season.

"It's a blow for everyone, but the good thing is that the horse has time on his side. He has a lot of talent and I am sure he has a very bright future ahead if he can recover from this injury," Geraghty said.

Jezki, who provided Geraghty with the second of his three Champion Hurdles in 2014, was retired recently and, unsurprisingly, the rider had nothing but praise for the eight-time Grade 1 winner.

He added: "Jezki was a brilliant horse and the day be beat My Tent Or Yours in the Champion Hurdle was great. He deserved that. He had been knocking on the door with Hurricane Fly around and he really deserved to land a big one. He was a great bit of stuff."

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