Mulrennan thanks medics and eyes return next week after Newcastle fall

Paul Mulrennan has paid tribute to the medical care he received following a fall at Newcastle on Good Friday and is hoping to be back in action at the start of next week.

The rider suffered a concussion following the spill from the Jim Goldie-trained Nicholas T, but x-rays showed more severe damage had been avoided.

"I'm starting back at Jack Berry House tomorrow and the plan is to start riding back at Redcar on [Monday] the 16th," said Mulrennan.

"It's still a little bit sore in my leg, but it could have been a lot worse and I was very lucky I didn't break anything.

"I'm looking forward to getting back next week and hopefully the racing will start picking up, spring will come and the weather will turn."

On the day following the fall it was reported that Mulrennan had endured a long and sleepless night in a noisy open ward, but the rider paid tribute to the standard of care he received both at the racecourse and at Newcastle's General Hospital.

"They looked after me great at Newcastle racecourse and in the hospital," he said. "It's a big city and it's real life. They looked after me great and they do a hard job – there was no issue there."

Mecca's Angel: provided Paul Mulrennan with a Nunthorpe winnerCredit: Mark Cranham

Mulrennan has enjoyed high-profile wins with Michael Dods in recent seasons, including a first Group 1 win with Mecca's Angel in the Nunthorpe two years ago, and is hoping for another productive season with his principal ally.

He added: "Michael has plenty of nice horses to look forward to this year and hopefully we'll have another good season. In particular, Mabs Cross did very well last year and hopefully she can improve again this year."

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