Conditional jockey Richard McGrath made a successful return from a lengthy absence through injury on Iskan in the Market Tavern, Preston Novices' Hurdle at Carlisle today.
McGrath had been sidelined for three months following a bad fall at Huntingdon in December when he sustained a split kidney and broken ribs.
At first it was feared he would be out for the remainder of the season and, after getting Iskan home for a hard-fought success in the heavy conditions, he said: "It has been very frustrating but at least I have come back sooner than I first expected.
"I have had a good blow, we had to work hard to win it, but I feel fine and I love riding in these conditions."
Iskan is trained by his boss Jonjo O'Neill who said: "It is good to have Richard back, his first ride is a winner and what more could you ask for."
And he added with a smile: "He gave the horse a lovely horseman's ride and I could not have done better myself!"
