Recovered Faithfull returns with three rides at Ascot

Albany Jockey Natasha Faithfull will make her long-awaited return to the saddle this weekend after having a nasty fall in January.

The horse Faithfull was riding fell on top of her, after being spooked following a regular morning beach workout.

Coughing up a large amount of blood and with crushed ribs and lungs, Faithfull thought she might not survive the horrific fall as she drifted in and out of consciousness. She has been recovering for the past nine months.

Faithfull returned to riding at trials two weeks ago and has been passed fit to officially start race riding at this Saturday’s Ascot meeting. “The body is feeling really good,” she said.

“I’ve done a lot of gym work and physio leading up to getting my fitness back to riding so I’m feeling really fit and ready to go. I couldn’t be happier getting three rides on a Saturday my first meeting back.

“I’m really excited to be back riding, it’s a bit crazy to see my name down in the fields.

“It’s been such a long time since I’ve been at the races.”

Faithfull said Steve Wolfe had been a steadfast supporter.

“I’m so rapt at the support I’ve gotten from Steve. I did my apprenticeship with him and have been associated with him for about 10 years now,” she said.

“He’s been really supportive.”

Faithfull will have three rides on Saturday — two for boss Steve Wolfe and one for her mother Samantha Faithfull. She takes the ride on Cold As Cold, a winner of three from 11 starts.

Faithfull also takes the sit on former Eastern States runner Martinelli who has transferred to her mother’s yard. She will also ride last-start winner Minus Looks for Wolfe in the last race.