Havlin makes dream comeback with victory on Purser

Jockey Robert Havlin made the perfect return to race-riding as he secured victory aboard the Khalid Abdullah-owner Purser for boss John Gosden at Lingfield.

Off the racecourse since January and having served a six-month drugs ban imposed by the French racing authorities that began in April, Havlin and Purser ran out nine-length winners of the 7f novice stakes.

Havlin admitted his relief afterwards, telling At The Races: "You tell yourself there's no pressure, but the first thing I thought after pulling up after the line was, 'Thank God for that!' Now I've got the first one out of the way, hopefully it's onwards and upwards."

He said of being given a plum ride on his return: "Obviously it was a bit of a plan to try to get me back on a winner and thanks to Frankie [Dettori] for letting me have him, although he didn't need much convincing to take another day off!

"I've been doing plenty to keep fit: cycling, riding out, rowing machine, Equicizer, but there's no substitute for the real thing when your adrenaline is going."

He added: "You've got to look forward. It bogs you down sometimes, you're only human but it doesn't do any good, least of all to your family and friends."

Havlin also has a ride at Chelmsford on Thursday evening and is booked for rides at Ascot on Friday and Saturday.

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