Adrian Maguire, lucky to escape serious injury in a sickening accident at Fontwell on Monday, made a victorious return to the saddle on Hopeful Lord in the John Smith's Extra Smooth Bitter Novices' Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter yesterday.
Maguire missed his remaining ride at Fontwell with an injured arm after his mount, the Paul Eccles-trained Palamon, had a headon collision with Honest Dave, who galloped the wrong way riderless after unseating his rider at the first fence. Both horses died instantly.
Yesterday, Maguire passed the doctor to take his place on Hopeful Lord, who justified 7 to 4 favouritism by 14 lengths from Jolly Boat.
Reflecting on the events of Monday, Maguire, who had just one ride on yesterday's card, said: "It was all over before I knew what had happened. It has never happened to me before and I hope it never happens again.
"I went to "Rabbit" Slattery last night and she worked on my arm and I went back this morning. She put a support on my arm and it has worked grand.
"My arm is a bit sore but I am 100 per cent. But I still feel sorry for Paul Eccles and the owners because they have lost a very good horse in the making over fences."
Mick Fitzgerald also made full use of his only ride of the afternoon as Toski held off Blythe Lady in the Vanguard Pubs & Restaurants Novices' Hurdle to give trainer Toby Watson his first winner of the season.
Also out of the traps for the campaign emerged Bill Clay, whose Court Circular took the Lowe Engineering Handicap Hurdle.
Going For Broke went off the 4 to 7 favourite for the Mobilefone Group Novices' Hurdle but trailed in last of four behind 13 to 8 winner Mr Speculator.
Edabiya is likely to represent trainer John Oxx and ownerbreeder the Aga Khan in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
A half-sister to dual-Classic winner Ebadiyla, the daughter of Rainbow Quest won a listed race on her debut at Leopardstown last month and "is 90 per cent likely" for the race, according to Oxx. "Takariya could run as well for us, or she may go for the listed Go And Go Round Tower Stakes on the same card," added the trainer, who won the Moyglare with Flamengo Wave 10 years ago.
