Irish jockey Sean Flanagan will make a sensational return to the saddle at Christmas just six weeks after breaking his back.
Flanagan broke his L1 vertebra schooling for Noel Meade in November but has made a miraculous recovery from the horror injury.
He is one of three Irish riders who have been passed fit to race on St Stephen's Day with Jack Kennedy and Jordan Gainford making up the trio.
Jack Kennedy returns after a dislocating his shoulder and Gainford is back after breaking his wrist
Speaking on his return, Flanagan spoke more of "needing" to get back than a want.
"Christmas was upon us so it was a case of needing to be back as opposed to wanting to be back," Flanagan told Racing Post.
"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 paid tribute to the doctors and physios who ensured his quick recovery from a nasty break.
"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."
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