Jockey to complete remarkable recovery from a stroke at Sedgefield on Tuesday

Conditional jockey Aidan Macdonald will complete a remarkable recovery from a stroke when he returns to action at Sedgefield on Tuesday.

Mac Suibhne will be his first mount since he collapsed in Middleham High Street in April last year and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

The 7lb claimer has been through an intense period of rehabilitation in the 18 months since, working hard on his fitness, getting the all-clear from medical tests which showed his carotid artery had healed and finally being granted a licence to ride again by BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill.

Macdonald, 23, has been riding out since January and is excited to be returning to Sedgefield, cheered on by family and friends at the track where he enjoyed the second of three winners he has ridden since joining Micky Hammond in 2016.

"I’m over the moon about it, I can’t wait," he said. "It’s been a long time coming and I’m happy to get back on the track.

"I feel fine but I’m a bit nervous – I feel like I’m having my first ride again. Though I think my mum will be more nervous than me!"

Macdonald, originally from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, said that when he was in hospital he did not think he would ever sit on a horse again.

Aidan Macdonald pictured after winning aboard Sincerely Resdev at SedgefieldCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Reflecting on his recovery, he said: "It’s been hard work and mentally draining at times, some days have been better than others.

"Having a good family and friends around me has kept me going. I couldn’t name all the people who have helped me out, there are so many of them.

"There were a few times when I thought I should give up, that this day would never come, but with the positivity from my girlfriend Ellie, my mum and dad and my friends, I stuck it out."

Mac Suibhne, a winner at Market Rasen, was the last horse to make the cut for Tuesday’s £17,500 2m4f handicap hurdle, in which his jockey can claim 10lb as he is riding for his retaining stable.

"He should run a good race and it would be quite something to win but I’ll be happy just to finish," said Macdonald. "Anything else will be a bonus."

Hammond paid tribute to how hard Macdonald has worked through his rehabilitation and said: "Aidan has done well to get to where he’s got after what happened.

"I always thought there was a chance he’d make the recovery he has done, but to actually get back on the racecourse was a tall order.

"Being a jockey is a tough job and full marks to him. He’s worked hard at it with the help of the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare, and Jerry Hill has been very helpful."

Hammond, who has matched his best total of Flat winners this season and has already won 18 races over jumps in 2022-23, hopes Mac Suibhne has a chance on Tuesday.

"Well done to Sedgefield for putting on a good prize, hence it’s a very competitive race and we got in by the skin of our teeth," said the trainer.

"He’s a good jumper who’s been in decent form. Aidan’s 10lb should help and give him a chance of running a big race."

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