Jockey Shamaree Muir said that he plans to resume active riding after having the cast removed from his leg before the Classic races begin on April 4 (1000 Guineas). Muir broke his right ankle early last month while on the exercise track.

“I am coming on well at the moment. I am taking time with my ankle as I have to be physically and mentally ready when I make my comeback to competitive race riding. I am pretty sure that I will be back in the saddle before any of the Classic races start,” Muir told the Complete Racing Guide.

The jockey was injured during the regular exercise period on January 5 when his mount Danos La Paz reared up in the middle of the workout and unseated him. Unfortunately, one of the horse’s hind legs caught Muir just above his right ankle, causing the bone to crack. Muir was then taken to hospital, and was instructed to rest for at least a month and a half to allow the injury to heal properly.

“I went to the doctor on February 17 to get the cast removed. He told me that everything was alright and that I must now go to therapy and return in two weeks.

“I am able to walk freely without any assistance from the crutches and I am even riding my bicycle, which is a very good sign that I am on the right track. It could have been worse but that isn’t the case as I am lucky on this occasion and I must give God thanks,” the 20-year-old said.

Muir was riding well prior to his accident, winning four races from 12 rides including a three-timer (Seeking My Dream, Striking Distance and Rio Cobre). All three winners were for 14-time defending champion trainer Wayne DaCosta with whom Muir was able to forge a formidable partnership at the end of last year.

“I am an ambitious young man who continues to work hard even at home injured, that’s who I am. I am happy with the way I was riding before the accident as I am confident and I believe in myself.

“I was so happy that day when I rode my first triple at Caymanas Park since I started riding on September 8, 2012. It was just an overwhelming feeling that words cannot explain,” Muir recalled.

Despite lost time, the 20-year-old Muir still ranks eighth in the jockey’s standing behind Robert Halledeen (16), Omar Walker (15) and Dane Nelson (12). Muir is the overall leading apprentice on 95 winners.