Champion British jumps jockey Richard Johnson has been given the all-clear to return riding following his recovery from a broken arm.
The four-time champion jockey has been out of action since suffering the injury to his right arm in a fall at Exeter on January 21.
He trailed Brian Hughes by three winners at the time, and is currently 19 adrift – with the score currently 111 for him and 130 for Hughes.
Johnson was always confident he would return in time for next month’s Cheltenham Festival, and has not ruled out being able to retain the championship.
He passed a medical examination on Monday and will return later this week.
“Depending on what runs where, fingers crossed I’ll be back on Thursday,” Johnson said.
“The first couple of days will be relatively quiet, to get back into it, and I’m looking forward to being back in the old routine.”
Johnson said he would give the title his best shot.
“I’ll just be looking for that first winner back, to start with,” he said.
“Realistically, I know I’m still going to be up against it.
“But there is that chance. So whether you are riding a 50-1 shot or going for the championship, as long you have that chance, I like to feel I have an opportunity.”