William Buick Set For Racecourse Return At Newmarket On Friday

Leading flat jockey William Buick is set for his racecourse return after being off the track since May with a post head injury syndrome that he picked up when on the way to the start in a race at Ascot.

Godolphin's number one rider is subject to a final BHA approval this morning to see if he is fit enough to get back in the saddle at Newmarket on Friday.

The Norwegian born rider is set to have two rides for his employer in the blue silks and both for trainer Charlie Appleby and he has been chomping at the bit to get back riding again.

The 31 year old jockey had a stellar winter away from England, riding in Meydan and picking up some big prizes with the likes of Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter in the Dubai Gold Cup, Blue Point in the Al Quoz Sprint and Old Persian in the Sheema Classic.

However, Buick had only ridden 13 winners in Britain this season before his injury and surely the main focus now for the jockey is to get back riding winners for Godolphin with James Doyle doing a superb job during his absence.

The Derby winning jockey is being eased back into proceedings with just two rides on the Friday starting with Lazuli in the 6f novice stakes before jumping on three-year-old Art Song, who won a novice event at Kempton on debut and looks a promising recruit for connections.

Buick has been seen to be back on board horses on he gallops at Charlie Appleby's yard and the trainer is looking forward to having his number one rider back in the saddle for the big races towards the end of the season.

(Credit Racing Post)The trainer said: "He's been riding out this week but just has a couple more tests to take this week and hopefully we'll be on track.

"He's done all his gym tests and everything is great. He just needs his final tick and we're good to go."

Michael Haggas, Buick's agent, confirmed: "He has done all the tests and just has to go and see the BHA chief medical officer on Thursday morning to be cleared to ride."