08 August 2023 , 14:57
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A young apprentice jockey has made his race-riding comeback a year after he suffered a life-threatening fall.
Wesley Joyce, 20, was seriously hurt at the 2022 Galway Festival – and his injuries led to treatment in intensive care.
After an arduous recovery, he bravely battled back to be fit enough to compete again. The key milestone was reached on Monday, when the 7lb claimer took two rides at Naas Racecourse.
Joyce, from Limerick, achieved his best placing on Wave Machine, runner-up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
"To get two rides on my first day, I think that was good," Joyce told Racing TV.
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"Thanks to Johnny (Murtagh, trainer) for putting me up on the horse, the owners – if they didn't put me up I wouldn't have been second today.
"It's a great buzz to be back. I love the atmosphere."
Joyce spoke of his appreciation for the help he had received, during his rehabilitation from injuries which included broken ribs, a punctured lung, broken shoulder and fractured larynx.
Jockey Wesley Joyce spoke to Racing TV about his comeback rides (RacingTV/Twitter)He told RTE how the thought of returning to the racecourse motivated him during the toughest days.
"There are not really any words to describe it. It’s been very hard. Tough. The breathing was a bit bad at one stage. But it has been worth it," he said.
Joyce was front rank aboard Michael Mulvany's mare Red Heel when he was unseated at a road crossing, in a Listed event last summer.
The rider of 19 winners was given assistance by on-course medics, before he received further care at University Hospital Galway.
The 20-year-old finished second on Wave Machine at Naas Racecourse (pictured) (PA)When he was well enough, Joyce worked with the Racing Academy & Centre of Education (Race) and he was subsequently passed fit by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
Racing fans passed on their wellwishes to the young sportsman, supported by family and friends for his return to the track.
"What a brilliant guy Wesley is, great mindset and will achieve his goals no doubt!!" one said on Twitter.
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Another added: "Truly an inspirational young man. It’s been a long battle but he’s back doing what he loves. Lovely interview, positive and uplifting given the injuries he sustained. Well done Wesley!"