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David Walsh took the first step to re-establish himself as a jockey when partnering Pull On, who finished unplaced in the For Him Magazine National Hunt Flat Race at Worcester last evening. It was a low-key return to the saddle for the former conditional champion, who has been in the wilderness for over two years after receiving a month's suspension for failing a random drugs test 27 months ago. Walsh was given a big cheer by fellow jockeys as he entered the weighing room and the 24-year-old rider was clearly glad to be back. And now he believes he has his weight problems in check as the 12 stone seven pounds of a year ago is long gone and he now weighs in at 10 stone three pounds and remains confident he will do 10 stone when needed.
Sagamix, winner of last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but beaten on both starts so far this season, could still be in the line-up for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes on Saturday week. The Andre Fabretrained colt is reported to have worked well yesterday morning and, according to Roland de Longevialle, racing manager to owner Jean-Luc Lagardere, the intention is to give him another serious piece of work prior to the Ascot showpiece before a final decision is made about his participation in the £600,000 Group One.
