Star jockey Jamie Kah will make her long-awaited return to racing on board Zaaki in the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
It caps a remarkable return to the saddle after suffering head injuries in a horrific fall at Flemington in March.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jamie Kah back three months after her fall.
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Kah was in an induced coma for five days after the fall. She also had several breaks to the body, including a shattered wrist, foot and nose.
When she came to, she struggled significantly with memory loss and confusion.
But after a lengthy break, two months ago she passed neurological tests which paved the way for her return.
She was recently involved in a ‘white powder’ scandal where she was charged by Racing Victoria with conduct “prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing.”
Kah has ridden Zaaki in seven of his starts, including his 2022 All-Star Mile and Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes victories.
After a pleasing trial at Rosehill over 900 metres last Friday with Kah aboard, trainer Annabel Neasham has decided that Zaaki is ready for a race day return this weekend rather than waiting a fortnight to start in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m), the event that the now eight-year-old had kicked off his spring campaigns over the past two years.
“He’s come back as well as ever,” Neasham told RSN.
“I don’t know if I want to dare saying it but I don’t think I’ve had him going any better, ever.
“He’s flying and his trial was really good on Friday.
“After it, Jamie felt that he was ready to go.”
Zaaki’s winter campaign was curtailed after an unplaced performance in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in May and followed a third-straight win the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) a month earlier.
“He had a gallop at the races a couple of weeks ago and he was a bit of a handful but that is usually when he is at his best,” Neasham added.
“We’d be mad not to be looking at the Winx Stakes on Saturday.”
The Chris Waller-trained Fangirl holds favouritism at $3.50 for the first group one race of the season with Zaaki on the second line of betting at $4.50.
– With RAS NewsWire
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