Brian Toomey is one courageous jockey
The 26-year-old Englishman has just been given a licence to return to the saddle almost two years after a horrific fall almost cost him his life.
Toomey was in action at Perth in July 2013 but suffered a heavy fall aboard Solway Dandy that caused life-threatening head injuries to the rider, with medics saying he was technically dead for several seconds before being resuscitated.
He was given just a three per cent chance of survival and placed in an induced coma for two weeks in a bid to reduce swelling on his brain. He spent a further four months in hospital but upon his release he set about getting back into racing.
"The main thing that has kept me going was a desire to be a jockey again," said Toomey. "I know there will be people who will say I'm mad to want to come back.
"But it's been my dream since I was a boy to be a jockey and it's a job and life I love, and I was absolutely determined that if I couldn't make it back, it wouldn't be through a lack of effort on my part."
Toomey was cleared by neurosurgeons to get back on a horse and began riding out for several trainers, including Willie Mullins and Jonjo O'Neill, as he waited to be relicensed.
That day has come, but Toomey won't be rushing into a comeback just yet.
"I'm going to take my time and work on my fitness before taking my first ride. That's the next target to aim for and I'll give it my all to get there. I hope what I've been through can serve as an inspiration for others who injure themselves and are told that they might never return to doing what they love. Work hard and never give up and you just never know what could happen."
