McDonald relishing return

PJ McDonald says he is relishing the prospect of a return to action after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The North Yorkshire-based rider and been forced to be an onlooker since he suffered a fractured left ankle and right heel following a fall from Westward Ho at Newcastle.

With his ride on Laurens at Ascot on Champions Day edging closer, McDonald says he is looking forward to the chance to get back in the saddle and compete for wins.

“It was brilliant to have a target to get back for, but it was a very frustrating spell,” said McDonald.

“I missed three Group One winners (Havana Grey in the Flying Five, as well as Laurens) while I was off.

“It's been a hard pill to swallow, but there are people far more worse off than me, so the main thing was to get back fit. At least when you are riding you are doing something – but when you are just sat at home you've got a lot of time to think.

“I was lucky that after two and a half weeks I've was able to get into Jack Berry House every day, and that spurred me o