Jockey Millie Wonnacott’s amazing recovery from horrific broken back to Sandown winner in just three months

JOCKEY Millie Wonnacott capped a remarkable return from injury with a big Saturday winner at Sandown. The 7lb claimer partnered popular veteran Doing Fine to victory in the London National. But she only returned to race-riding earlier this week having suffered a broken back in a nasty fall at Newton Abbot in August. She put […]

JOCKEY Millie Wonnacott capped a remarkable return from injury with a big Saturday winner at Sandown.

The 7lb claimer partnered popular veteran Doing Fine to victory in the London National.

But she only returned to race-riding earlier this week having suffered a broken back in a nasty fall at Newton Abbot in August.

She put her successful return in the saddle down to the team at Oaksey House, the rehabilitation and fitness centre in Lambourn run by the Injured Jockeys Fund.

She said: “Three months ago I got some pretty nasty fractures in my vertebrae and I wouldn’t be riding here if it wasn’t for Oaksey House.

“They were fantastic in getting me back. I wanted to get back before this weekend ideally and they made it happen.”

Wonnacott was over the moon that the Neil Mulholland-trained 12-year-old Doing Fine was able to win yesterday.

He was first past the post in the London National 12 months ago – only to have the race taken away in dramatic fashion.

The race was voided as the stricken Houblon Des Obeaux was receiving treatment on the racing line, but a number of riders failed to stop after a yellow flag was waved instructing them to pull up.

But a year on, his connections gained compensation as he dug deep for Wonnacott to fend off Crosspark in a driving finish.

Wonnacott said: “I felt very sorry for him when the race was taken away last year.

“He is a grand old horse and he always tries his best.

“He jumps for fun and that is the best I’ve ever seen him travel.”

PA:Press Association