Carberry can make successful return

Tony McCoy is rewriting the rulebook in terms of a top jump-jockey's longevity in the saddle and Paul Carberry appears determined to do the same with the veteran rider returning to action at Fairyhouse today after almost seven months on the injury-sidelines.

Carberry will be 40 in February, three months before McCoy, his old pal from the Jim Bolger academy, hits the landmark birthday but is more eager than ever to get back into action after his long-term shoulder problem with three rides this afternoon.

“I can’t wait to get back. I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited to get back race-riding again,” Carberry said yesterday.

Davy Russell's absence through suspension means the Gigginstown Stud pair, Ally Cascade and Devils Bride, are divided up between Carberry and Ruby Walsh. Devil's Bride has the advantage of race-fitness but ideally would like much better ground than he is likely to get today. Ally Cascade's fitness in contrast has to be taken on trust but he could provide his rider with a perfect comeback.

Carberry's other two mounts are for Gordon Elliott and they include the impressive bumper scorer Moonshine Lad in the second of the maiden hurdles. This is a hot looking race for a midweek maiden but they could all be trumped by the cleverly named Polish Partisan who ran on admirably well at Naas when third to Clonard Lad.