By Nick Robson, Press Association

National Hunt jockey Jason Maguire returns to the saddle after six months out injured at Newton Abbot on Friday.

Birdlip-based Maguire, attached to the Donald McCain stable in Cheshire, was seriously hurt on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival at Stratford when a horse kicked him in the stomach.

Maguire was airlifted to University Hospital Coventry, where X-rays revealed he suffered a fractured sternum and bleeding on his liver, undergoing an operation to have part of it removed.

He was later moved to Gloucester Hospital to be closer to his family before being allowed to complete his recovery at home.

His first ride back will be on McCain's Mr Satco in the Channon And Co Chartered Accountants Novices' Chase.

"I'm obviously thrilled to be back," said Maguire.

"It's a novice chase but once you're back, there's no point picking and choosing.

"It's been a long time watching on the sidelines and I'm really looking forward to it.

"When you are out that length of time it makes you appreciate what you have, riding for a powerful stable.

"I was aiming to be back at the end of the month, but I got passed (by the doctor) earlier this week, so that was grand. I can't wait."