Jockey Ethan Brown has ridden a winner at his first meeting back since a sickening fall at Flemington that left the rider with a host of internal injuries.
Brown scored aboard the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Cavallo Rampante in the Ladbrokes Racing Club Plate (1000m) at Sandown on Wednesday, his second ride back from injury.
He earlier partnered Delivering into third place for the trainers in the Ladbroke It! Plate (1300m).
Wednesday’s meeting was 158 days since Brown fell with Maximillius in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March.
The fall left Brown with a lacerated liver and kidney issues while he also lost a lot of blood associated with those injuries.
Brown returned riding trackwork and trials five weeks ago but elected to take his time before deciding on the time was right to make a return to the racetrack.
“It’s a great feeling. I’m a little bit emotional,” Brown said.
“It’s good to get that win out of the way after such a long-time off and we are focussing ahead for the time being.
“It’s lucky Ciaron and Dave put me on a nice horse today and didn’t make my job too hard and it’s good to get the win.”
To make the win more special, Cavallo Rampante is owned by a large number of the former owners of Snapdancer who supplied Brown with his first Group 1 win when taking out the Sangster Stakes at Morphettville last year.
“They’re a great bunch of owners and it’s fitting that I get my first win back for them,” Brown said.
Brown said routine was important and he now feels back to where he was prior to his fall.
“I ride trackwork Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and hit the gym to get my weight right and my body feeling good,” Brown said.
“But there’s nothing like race day fitness and I’ll pick that up as I go along.
“It’s only my first meeting back, but I’m very happy with how things have panned out so far and I’m looking forward to a good spring.”
