Smiling in the rain - stroke victim Aidan Macdonald delighted to be back

Tuesday: Sedgefield

Rarely has a jockey been so happy to finish seventh in a Class 4 hurdle in driving rain – but rarely has a rider made a recovery like Aidan Macdonald's.

The claimer was delighted to be taking part in his first race since suffering a stroke in Middleham in April last year, his return the reward for gruelling work in rehabilitation.

After dismounting with a smile from Mac Suibhne, trained by his boss Micky Hammond, Macdonald said: "That was great. I was nervous at the start but I couldn't have asked for a better ride. I feel a lot better now it's over, I can relax a bit more now it's happened. I'm not blowing – I thought I'd be a lot more unfit and I've surprised myself.

Aidan Macdonald clears a hurdle on Mac Suibhne on on his first ride back after recovering from a strokeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was always flat out and the ground was a lot softer than I expected, and I didn't get the greatest of starts so I was always on the back foot. But he gave me a great spin and his jumping was second to none.

"It's been hard at times and stressful, but I have a supportive family and friends, and a great girlfriend."

The race was won by Kajaki, whose trainer Nicky Richards said: "He seems to like it round here and he got into a good rhythm."

Super start

How times change. Last autumn Mctigue was drawn next to Luxembourg as the pair sought Group 1 glory in the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

Eleven months on the winner is favourite for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp whereas Mctigue, who finished sixth on Town Moor, made a flawless jumping debut in the juvenile hurdle here.

A useful middle-distance stayer on the Flat for Jim Bolger, he has joined Emmet Mullins and was backed from evens into 8-13 favourite before scoring by an impressive eight and a half lengths under James Bowen.

"It was a lovely performance," his new trainer said. "It was great to get him off the mark at the first attempt over hurdles. He's an exciting horse to look forward to.

"We haven't had him long so I can't take any credit for training him. Jim had him in great order and we've just schooled him and he's taken to it very well."

Further trips across the Irish Sea are likely, as Mullins said: "There's a race at Kempton and that will tell us a bit more about him, and there's a race at the November meeting at Cheltenham. We won't be thinking any further on than that."

This juvenile hurdle was won last year by subsequent Grade 1 winner Knight Salute, whose trainer Milton Harris had a treble here 12 months on with Legionar, Mordred and Gentle Slopes.

Mctigue wins the juvenile hurdle for trainer Emmet MullinsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Week-long ban

Charlotte Jones was banned for seven days for her ride on sixth-placed Oakmont in the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle won by Lucky Lover Boy.

The stewards judged she had "failed to ask for either real or substantial effort throughout the race".

Trainer Jimmy Moffatt said: "The horse finds nothing off the bit but she held on to him too long and seven days is fair."

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