JOCKEY John Kissick is optimistic he will make his long awaited return to race riding early in the new year.
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He has been on the sidelines since November 2016 after fracturing his T-12 vertebrae when thrown from a steer and landing awkwardly.
Kissick underwent surgery to repair the damage to his T12 vertebrae including having two screws and a rod inserted from his T10 through to his T12 vertebrae.
His initial recovery involved doing as little physical activity as possible for 12 months.
The rehabilitation has taken a lot longer with Kissick spending a further two years trying to get his body right.
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Kissick has joined the Mitch Beer stable as well as managing a few jockeys.
"I've been riding track work and aiming to get back by New Year's day," Kissick said.
"Whether that be a race or a trial is yet to be determined.
"In the meantime the plan is to ride as much track work as possible and I still have to reapply for my jockeys licence.
"The body is feeling as good as it has in a long time and I have no dramas with my weight."
Before getting injured Kissick was regarded among the top echelon of jockeys in the district.
