WALTER Swinburn won permission to resume his riding career yesterday but must, wait another 18 days before he can return to the racetrack. The three times Derby winning jockey's application for a licence was granted by the Jockey Club's Licensing Committee.

But it delayed the start of his comeback until August 11th, exactly six months after he suffered head, shoulder and rib injuries in a fall in Hong Kong that almost claimed his life.

A Jockey Club statement said. "Having taking account of Dr Turner's advice and having discussed the specialists' reports with Walter Swinburn, the Licensing Committee is prepared to issue him with a licence to ride from August 11th, should he wish to do so.

Swinburn, who will be 35 by the time he begins his comeback, said he was looking, forward to riding just horses not any horse in particular after his 45 minute visit to Portman Square in London.

But he appeared frustrated by the decision as he nervously described his reaction to the verdict, alongside his father Wally. "I am very pleased that I have been licensed after what's been a very long and trying time for both, myself and my family," he said.

I accept the reasons for the delay and I have had a very fair hearing from the Jockey Club. I've received enormous help from them.

"I can't wait to get back on August 11th. To wait another three weeks is still going to be hard but I have always wanted to get back. Riding is my life.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their concern and co-operation during this very trying time."

Wally Swinburn said. "I'm delighted for him. We thought it would be August 11th but we accept what the Jockey Club had to say." Swinburn had provided his own medical evidence of his recovery and had passed an independent examination by leading neuro surgeon Peter Hamlyn.

But the Licensing Committee followed the guidelines for riders who suffer serious head injuries recommended by its chief medical officer Dr Michael Turner in delaying his comeback.

He will now hope to continue, his well established links with Michael Stoute and owner Maktoum Al-Maktoum with York's Ebor meeting, at which he won last year's International on Hailing among his initial targets.

But Sheikh Maktoum's racing manager Joe Mercer indicated that Swinburn will not be an automatic choice with riders such as Kieren Fallon, tipped as his replacement at Stoute's likely to continue to benefit.

"I can't really comment on what Walter will ride for us but we don't have a retainer anymore and most of the jockeys that have been riding for us will stay on the horses," he said.

"It's good news that he's got his licence back but we all thought it would have been a lot earlier than this."