Sean Flanagan set to return at Christmas just six weeks after breaking his back

Sean Flanagan is one of three leading Irish jockeys who has been passed fit to ride this Christmas after making a remarkable recovery from breaking his back in November.

Flanagan broke his L1 vertebra schooling for Noel Meade six weeks ago but on Wednesday was cleared to ride some smart horses for his boss at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

They include leading juvenile prospect Lunar Power, who takes his chance in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle and Drinmore Novice Chase winner Beacon Edge, who will run in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.

'I can't wait to be back'

"Christmas was upon us so it was a case of needing to be back as opposed to wanting to be back," said Flanagan.

"If I'd had two broken legs I'd have been happy enough to drive on in order to ride over Christmas. These four days cement the whole season really.

"There are the end of season festivals, like Punchestown and Fairyhouse, but the Christmas period is a special time and I'm really looking forward to being back for it."

He added: "I broke my L1 vertebra, which is basically just below your rib cage, and Dr John Kenny and Dr Jennifer Pugh were phenomenal. When I got the green light from them I went to physios John Butler and Paul Harrington and they got me back to where I am now.

"Plans are a little bit up in the air but I will possibly be at Leopardstown most days. Noel [Meade] has plenty of nice horses to run, including Lunar Power and Beacon Edge, and I can't wait to be back riding those sorts of horses again."

Jack Kennedy: 'I was worried I wouldn't be back but the doctors are happy'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jack Kennedy and Jordan Gainford have also been given the go-ahead to make their comebacks from injury on Sunday.

Kennedy has not ridden since dislocating his shoulder in a fall at Navan on November 7 but said he was feeling good ahead of what promises to be a helter-skelter period riding for his boss Gordon Elliott.

The rider said: "I was worried I wouldn't be back but the doctors are happy so I'm delighted. I've been back riding out for a week now and I can't wait."

Gainford, who is also based with Elliott, has not ridden since fracturing his wrist in a fall at Naas on November 6. Despite missing almost two months, he has ridden 37 winners this season, just eight fewer than championship leader Darragh O'Keeffe.

He said: "The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for me but thankfully I'll be back for Christmas. I've been riding out for the past week and was passed fit by Dr Kenny on Tuesday so I'm looking forward to Christmas now."

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