Apprentice Murphy close to riding return

Injured apprentice Jackson Murphy is back working at his master Chris Anderson’s stables and hopes to be in the saddle next week.

Murphy hasn’t ridden since December 29 when he injured a wrist in a fall at Doomben.

The wrist has taken longer than expected to mend in what has been a frustrating three months for the young rider.

Murphy was leading the apprentice riders premiership and was in the top 10 overall riders before the injury.

While he has been out of action Murphy was overtaken by Jag Guthmann-Chester, Clayton Gallagher and Baylee Nothdurft on the apprentices premiership.

Anderson said it was hoped Murphy would get the clearance to start riding trackwork next week and then in races soon after.

Meanwhile, jockey Skye Bogenhuber, who was knocked out in a trackwork fall last month, has been a spectator at some meetings but is giving herself plenty of rest before seeking a clearance to ride.

Group One-winning jockey Damian Browne has had knee surgery which will hopefully see him able to resume riding.

Another top jockey Jim Byrne continues to have rehab on his shoulder.