Stroke victim Aidan Macdonald 'fitter than ever' and raring to ride out again

Seven months after suffering a stroke and being rushed to hospital in critical condition, conditional jockey Aidan Macdonald is back working and believes the signs are "very positive" he will ride again.

The 7lb claimer believes he will be fitter than ever if he completes his recovery and is granted a licence again.

Macdonald, 22, collapsed in the high street in Middleham in the spring and spent three and a half weeks in hospital.

A scan has shown his carotid artery has healed and the jockey has returned to work at Micky Hammond's yard, while also continuing his rehabilitation at Jack Berry House and working on his fitness in the gym.

"The scan gave me the all clear and that's very exciting," he said. "I'm back working in the yard but I'm not allowed to ride out yet, I think that will be a few weeks off.

"I need to go and see a neuropsychologist, who will have a look at the recovery of my brain, to make sure it's all okay. It's taken its time but I can't rush it.

"I muck out, brush the horses, sweep the yard, all the jobs that I don't really want to be doing. I'm happy to be back at work but at the same time it's a bit frustrating not being able to ride out."

BHA chief medical adviser Jerry Hill will make the final judgement on his licence application and Macdonald said: "I see the neuropsychologist and there are a few tests at Jack Berry House I need to pass, then Jerry Hill has to put all the information together and find out if it is safe for me to ride.

Micky Hammond: 'He's a determined young fellow, which helps'Credit: David Carr

"It wasn't very positive at the beginning when I came out of hospital, but now that the scan is all clear and everything is healed Jerry is very positive."

Macdonald, who is originally from Hawick in the Scottish borders, had ridden three winners at the time he suffered his stroke.

"In myself I feel great and I'll be a lot fitter coming back race-riding, if I'm allowed, because I've put in a lot of hard work over the last few months and I feel fitter than I ever have before," he said.

"When I was in hospital I didn't think I'd ever sit on a horse again – I'll feel very lucky if I ever get back on a racehorse. And I must thank my boss Micky Hammond, who has been a great help throughout, along with my girlfriend Ellie and all my friends, especially Finian O'Toole."

Macdonald has been based with Hammond since 2016 and the trainer said: "Aidan is making really good progress. He's well up to the more menial tasks – he can put horses on and off the walker, change rugs and sweep up – and in many ways that is terrific, considering what he's been through.

"He's frustrated that he can't get on a horse but he's pleased with his progress and he's a determined young fellow, which helps."

Read more on this subject:

Conditional rider Aidan MacDonald making 'positive' progress after Hexham fall

Conditional Aidan MacDonald takes first steps after being rushed to hospital

'I couldn't lift my foot' – stroke victim Aidan Macdonald aims to race again

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