Waddell planning comeback to riding

Jason Waddell will be seeking more of the group one glory he enjoyed on Tavistock. Photo / APN

Jason Waddell is not looking back, only forward, as he contemplates a return to race riding in the next couple of months.

Cambridge-based Waddell, 25, was suspended for 14 months in mid-2010 for a positive drugs test.

He felt the penalty was very harsh, but said he did not want to dwell on it.

Getting back to full fitness after breaking a leg in a soccer match a few months ago was his main priority now.

"The cast has come off and I hope to get back to trackwork riding soon. The plan is to ride at a few trials meetings and then get back to raceday."

He has not applied for a new licence - his suspension officially ends on August 1 - but will so once he is back up to speed.

"I'm really keen to give it everything I've got. I've missed it."

He hopes he can make a fresh start with the Shaune Ritchie and Stephen Marsh stables.

In his time away, Waddell travelled around Europe, taking in Sweden and Spain, as well as keeping an eye on racing here.

Waddell has enjoyed much success as a jockey and broke new ground last year with his first group winner in Australia, riding (Lord) Tavistock to success in the group two Blamey Stakes, having earlier ridden the galloper to group one wins in Mudgway Partsworld Stakes at Hastings and the Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa.