Daryl Jacob makes quicker-than-expected return before the Cheltenham Festival

Daryl Jacob has won his race against time to be fit for next week's Cheltenham Festival as the jockey returns at Leicester on Friday following a near three-month absence.

The Grand National-winning rider suffered a broken hip and foot when he was kicked by a horse in a fall at Ascot in December, but he has managed to recover quicker than he thought possible.

Jacob, who has been riding out for Harry Whittington, makes his comeback for the trainer on Torigni in the 2m4f handicap chase (2.40).

"I'm feeling good, my hip and foot feel in really good shape and I'm really looking forward to getting back," the jockey said.

"It's been three months and we've managed to get back a month before scheduled. I've done a lot of hard work at Oaksey House and the team there has been very good to me. To get back for the Cheltenham Festival is brilliant.

Jacob has won three races at the Cheltenham Festival, most recently on Concertista in 2020Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"The chances of getting back were probably slim but I've worked incredibly hard for the last month and these are the meetings you want to be involved in."

Jacob is set to ride at Ayr on Saturday and Warwick on Sunday before his attention turns to Cheltenham as he attempts to add to his three previous festival winners.

He is retained by leading owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, whose potential runners include Blue Lord in the Grade 1 Sporting Life Arkle Novices' Chase and Concertista, who holds entries in the Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle and Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase.

"Plans haven't been finalised yet, but the horses are all in good form," said Jacob.

On the chances of making a winning return on Torigni, he added: "I'm looking forward to getting back on him and ironically he was my last winner before I got injured.

"He ran a nice race last time as well and small fields seem to suit him. It's a competitive race but he's gradually improving and we're hopeful of a very good run."

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