Lynch back at Ayr and booked for Ballyboker at Cheltenham

Andrew Lynch returns from more than six months out with a broken arm at Ayr on Friday, where he has two rides for Stuart Crawford - Our Valentina (2.10) and Mullaghboy (2.45).

Lynch, whose finest hour came in the 2011 Champion Chase on Sizing Europe, has not been seen since fracturing his humerus in a fall from Idee Emery in a mares' maiden hurdle at Cork on August 28.

"It's been a long road," he said on Thursday. "After I broke my arm it just didn't feel right and they were not happy with the way it was knitting back together. They had to take a bone graft and put in screws and plates - that's why it's taken so long to get back.

"I went to see my specialist Hannan Mullet in Beaumont Hospital this morning and I got the all clear. The x-rays were perfect and I feel great. I can't wait to get straight back into it. I'm very fortunate Stuart has given me two rides at Ayr and I'm really looking forward to that."

Despite spending virtually all of the core season on the sidelines, Lynch has managed to land himself a ride at next week's Cheltenham Festival - Ballyboker Bridge in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

"He's a very big price given he beat Cantlow quite easily at Punchestown last Sunday and Cantlow is favourite," said Lynch. "He seems in great form and has had a wind operation so I think he goes there with a big chance. I can't wait to ride him."