Dual Grand National champion Derek Fox is set to make a triumphant return to the saddle at Perth on Monday, marking his comeback after a grueling six-month hiatus due to what he described as the “most serious injury” of his career. The 33-year-old Irish jockey, renowned for his victories aboard One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023, suffered a devastating fall at Sedgefield in March, resulting in a fractured L1 vertebra, a broken collarbone, and a rib injury. This setback forced him to miss the 2025 Grand National, a race where his expertise and cool-headedness have made him a standout figure. Now, fully recovered and brimming with determination, Fox is poised to reclaim his place among the elite in National Hunt racing.

The incident at Sedgefield was a stark reminder of the perilous nature of jump racing. Fox was unseated from Ballydisco, a horse trained by his long-time collaborator Lucinda Russell, during a 3m2½f handicap chase. The fall left him with injuries that required careful management, particularly the damage to his lumbar vertebra, which he noted was the most serious of his career due to the need for caution with spinal injuries. “Everything else heals eventually, but with your back, you have to be careful,” Fox said in an interview with Racing Post. His recovery demanded patience, a virtue not always associated with the fearless jockeys of the weighing room, and a meticulous rehabilitation process to ensure he could return to the high-stakes world of jump racing without compromising his health.

Fox’s absence from the Grand National in April was particularly heartbreaking, given his storied history with the race. His victories in 2017 and 2023, both under the guidance of Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell, cemented his reputation as a rider who thrives under pressure. In 2017, he defied the odds by recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone just four weeks prior to guide One For Arthur to a historic win, thanks to intensive rehabilitation at the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Jack Berry House. Similarly, in 2023, Fox overcame a shoulder injury sustained just 12 days before the race to steer Corach Rambler to victory, showcasing his resilience and deep connection with the horse. These triumphs have made him the most successful active Grand National jockey, a title he wears with pride but also with the weight of expectation.

Lucinda Russell, who has relied on Fox as her stable’s senior jockey since he joined her yard in 2013, expressed her delight at his return. “It’s absolutely fantastic to have him back,” she told Racing Post. “He’s a big part of the yard.” Russell highlighted Fox’s recent schooling sessions, where he rode eight horses with ease, signaling his readiness to compete. The trainer, who now shares her license with Michael Scudamore, emphasized the importance of Fox taking his time to heal properly, a decision that reflects the team’s commitment to his long-term well-being. This cautious approach contrasts with Fox’s earlier tendencies to “soldier on” through pain, a trait common among jockeys but one that could have jeopardled further injury this time.

Fox’s comeback is not just a personal milestone but a boost for British racing, particularly for Russell’s Arlary stable, which has enjoyed significant success with him in the saddle. His partnership with horses like Ahoy Senor, on which he has won six races, including a Grade 1 novice hurdle and chase at Aintree, underscores his ability to bring out the best in his mounts. His most recent major victory before the injury came on Jet To Vegas in the Grade 2 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso, just weeks before the Sedgefield fall. As he prepares to return, Fox is expected to pick up where he left off, with a busy schedule ahead and the potential to add to his illustrious record.

The jockey’s journey back to the track has been marked by the same mental and physical resilience that has defined his career. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age and leaving school at 14, Fox taught himself to read, devouring sporting autobiographies and channeling his determination into his craft. His story is one of overcoming obstacles, both on and off the course, and his return to racing is a testament to his unyielding spirit. As he steps back into the weighing room, fans and peers alike will be watching closely, eager to see if Fox can recapture the magic that made him a Grand National hero. With his sights set on future triumphs, including a potential third Grand National win, Derek Fox is ready to write the next chapter of his remarkable career.