Racing: Tinsley returns to saddle

The Awapuni-based jockey, who hasn't ridden since a fall at Otaki on April 5, has at this stage been confirmed for Sum Up in the Gr 3 Hawke's Bay Gold Cup in association with McDonalds Hawke's Bay and last-start winner Absolutely Sacred in the Rating 65 Manawatu Sound Service Premier 1200.

"I've got a couple of fractures in my back, but as the specialist said they're not in a serious spot at all and I've got a clearance," Tinsley said. "It's a bit like breaking the very tips of a bird's wings - it doesn't affect them flying.

"When I went to the hospital last Sunday for X-rays they were more concerned about the spleen area. It's a bit tender, but the spleen's fine and it may be torn cartilage. It's certainly not serious enough to stop me riding and I'm confident I can do my job otherwise I wouldn't be out there."

Tinsley said he had purposefully not looked at taking any rides at Hastings below 58kg after his time off. "I'm normally a pretty active person and I went from that to being a couch potato all last week. I didn't eat any more or anything like that, but put on a little weight mainly due to fluid retention so I'll slowly work my way back into it." NZ Racing Desk