It was a momentous occasion on Sunday at Southwell when jockey Millie Wonnacott returned to the saddle almost two years at 2021’s Cheltenham Festival after suffering a broken neck.
The 25-year-old had been out of action since the tragic day in March 2021 when she fell from Kansas City Chief in the Pertemps Final, suffering two fractures to her C1 vertebra.
Following the fall, Wonnacott had to wear a neck brace for six months, but her determination and spirit made her recover and eventually return to the saddle. Her comeback ride was aboard Michael Blake’s Clearance, with the 50/1 shot finishing 10th of the 12 runners.
The return of Wonnacott was celebrated by both the racing and wider sporting world, with messages of support pouring in from around the globe. It was a remarkable recovery for Wonnacott, who admitted she was “nervous” ahead of the race but was determined to make a success of her return.
The jockey is no stranger to overcoming adversity, having suffered a broken collarbone earlier in her career, only to return and win the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick on her first ride after the injury.
Wonnacott’s return was a long-term goal for the jockey, who only wanted to race horses. She returned to the saddle thanks to the incredible support from the Injured Jockeys Fund, which helped her through her rehabilitation at their Oaksey House center in Lambourn.
It was a miraculous return to the saddle by Wonnacott, and it is hoped that she will now be able to kickstart her promising career. The jockey is determined to make the most of her second chance and will undoubtedly be looking to add to her 23 wins from 118 rides over jumps soon.
Millie Wonnacott’s incredible story of determination and resilience inspires us all and reminds us that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.