'You go from being an absolute specimen in full work to feeling like a blob' - Nico de Boinville raring to go as return beckons

Nico de Boinville has expressed his relief at overcoming a challenging few months as he prepares for his imminent return to the saddle following a five-month injury layoff.

A heavy fall at Plumpton's Easter Monday fixture in April resulted in the multiple Grade 1-winning rider sustaining broken ribs and neck injuries as he missed the remainder of the season.

After a long road to recovery, including regular visits to the Injured Jockeys Fund's Oaksey House in Lambourn, Nicky Henderson's stable jockey is thrilled to have been given the green light to return to race-riding.

Speaking in the IJF's September newsletter, he said: "You go from being an absolute specimen in full work to feeling like a blob. It wasn’t easy getting back into it. The first week is always the hardest.

Constitution Hill: set to be reunited with Nico de Boinville this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"The main thing that motivated me was just to get back to some sort of health and strength. It makes you very grateful to move your legs and pick up the kids. Then, obviously, to get back on a horse, only then do you think about the racing side of things."

De Boinville was immediately taken to Brighton hospital after his fall. Reflecting on the incident on April 21, he said: "It all happened rather quickly, really, and the next thing I knew I was lying on the far side of the hurdle and just feeling as if things weren’t quite right.

"I was very lucky – they took me straight down to Brighton. Dr Riz and Lucy, the main doctors at Plumpton, are very well-connected at Brighton hospital, so you just get whisked through and get the best possible care."

He added: "I'd like to say how incredibly grateful I am to the IJF, everyone who raises money for the charity, and all the team at Oaksey House. They look after us in the broadest sense and, without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. They support such a wide range of people in the racing and equestrian industries, and play a pivotal role in our sport altogether."

Nicky Henderson: will welcome back his stable jockey for the new seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Although the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey has not been booked for his first ride back, he is very much looking forward to another big season at Seven Barrows.

He said: "Yes, there were ups and downs, but also some terrific days. I can’t complain – I came away with five Grade 1s. Jonbon really saved the season for me. He was fantastic all the way through.

"All those big names – Constitution Hill, Jonbon, and Sir Gino – I’d love to see them all back to full fitness. The competition is strong – Dan Skelton, Olly Murphy, and other top yards are turning into powerhouses – but there’s plenty of excitement and enthusiasm for the season. My philosophy is putting the yard first. If the horses do their best, success follows."

Read these next:

Nicky Henderson prepares to welcome Nico de Boinville back to the saddle with stable jockey cleared to ride after injury 

'He’s feeling good and is rip-roaring and ready to go' - Nicky Henderson provides positive injury update on Nico de Boinville 

'We'll be ready this year!' - Nicky Henderson makes Constitution Hill vow after full MOT that even included 'equine Specsavers' 

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