Aidan Coleman's comeback from one of the 'worst' knee injuries surgeon had seen

20 September 2023 , 17:40

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Aidan Coleman and right, the injury he is currently recovering from (Image: Getty/ Sky Sports Racing)

Aidan Coleman is planning his comeback from one of the 'worst' knee injuries his surgeon had seen.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey was hurt when his mount Ascension Day crashed through the wing of a hurdle in June. Sean Lycett's 40-1 outsider, making his debut over the obstacles at Worcester, held a two-length lead when he ran out at the final jump.

Coleman was assisted by the medical team after he collided with the plastic rail and suffered a heavy fall. Following an operation and a period of recovery, the top jockey was back the same racecourse on Monday where he gave racegoers an update on his likely return date.

"I don't have many years left at my age so I need to get back as quick as I can!" he told Sky Sports Racing.

"The surgeon was very happy with it, he said it was one of the worst he has ever seen, multiple injuries there. They took most of the bone out and replaced it with bone graft, I did all the ligaments as well. It has been so sore for the last three months I'm kind of used to it now."

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Coleman is into his 17th year competing in Britain, after he moved over from Cork in Ireland to work for Henrietta Knight, known for her association with three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate.

Aidan Coleman enjoyed an excellent partnership with novice chaser Jonbon last season (Getty)

The 35-year-old jockey enjoyed top level success with Nicky Henderson's smart novice Jonbon during the last jumps season. He has also been the regular rider of Epatante from the same stable and Emma Lavelle's multiple Grade One winner Paisley Park.

Coleman expects to miss the start of the core National Hunt season, which traditionally starts at Chepstow in mid-October.

"It'll be about six months before I'll be back at the beginning of December hopefully. It has been a long road but I'm getting there," he added. "I'm flat out in the gym and physio now, so if we can keep that up it keeps the mind right."

Melissa Jones