Fortune set to return on Friday after 'frustrating' layoff

Classic-winning jockey Jimmy Fortune, who has not ridden since May 19 owing to issues with his back, will return to action with two rides at Newbury on Friday.

Fortune, who won the 2007 St Leger on Lucarno, is one of the senior members of the Flat weighing room in Britain but has been absent for the past three months because a back problem has caused him to suffer spasms.

However, on Tuesday he received the green light to return to action and will ride Soldiers Bay for Brian Meehan in a division of the two-year-old maiden and partner the Richard Hughes-trained Pollyissimo in the novice stakes on Newbury's card.

Fortune and Agent Murphy win the 2015 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham

Fortune, who is also in line to ride the long-absent Agent Murphy for Meehan in the Group 3 Betfred Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, said on Wednesday morning: "I got the all-clear yesterday. It's been a frustrating three months because I've been close to coming back on many occasions and just missed out.

"I've been riding out on and off, and at the moment it's good and all things are looking positive, so hopefully I can have an injury-free rest of the year."

Agent Murphy won the Geoffrey Freer under Fortune two years ago but has had only three starts since and the last of those was in February last year.

"Two old crocks together," joked Fortune, who added: "I'm looking forward to getting back, certainly."

Friday's runners and riders at Newbury