Buckell rides first winner since returning from spell out fighting depression

George Buckell enjoyed his first winner since returning from a spell out of the sport when he guided Khaan to a remarkable victory at Southwell on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old did not ride last year after struggling with depression and the death of his cousin. Buckell, who is taking part in a charity boxing match in Newmarket next month to raise funds for a mental health charity, made his return to the saddle two weeks ago and struck on his third outing with a ride that attracted positive attention on social media.

Things did not look promising in the early stages of the 7f handicap when Khaan was slowly away and became detached from the field to such an extent he touched an in-running high of 949-1 on Betfair. However, Buckell persevered on the Mick Appleby-trained four-year-old and produced a power-packed finish up the straight to win going away by three and a half lengths.

"When the horse broke I thought everything was going to go wrong but he came back hard on the bridle at the four-furlong pole and I found a nice strip up the straight," Buckell said. "He's improving all the time."

He added: "It's fantastic and that's a weight off the shoulders. It's hard coming back and you just want to impress everyone. It was great to ride a winner for Mick as he has supported me during my career."

Buckell is boxing at The Ark in Newmarket on June 29 to raise funds for the Frank Bruno Foundation. You can support George and the charity by donating to his JustGiving page.

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