Cawley looking to the future with injury woes behind him

Onwards and upwards. That was the message from teak-tough jockey Alain Cawley after he opened his account for the season with a well-judged front-running ride on Fair Frank in the 1m7½f handicap chase for novices.

Although he does not need reminding, it was this month last year when Cawley’s career was halted after he dislocated both shoulders in a fall at Kempton.

Six months' recuperation followed before he returned with a bang to score on Dame Rose in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree in April and, as the winter season swings into top gear, Cawley is raring to go.