James MacDonald, who hasn’t driven since a January 12 racing accident at Woodbine Racetrack, will return to the sulky tonight (Thursday, March 21) at the Rexdale oval.
MacDonald, 27, suffered a broken right ankle along with torn ligaments following the spill. He required surgery on January 14, which resulted in the addition of two plates and eight screws for corrective healing.
“I’m glad to be back,” MacDonald said. “It’s been over two months and I got a clean bill of health the other day from the doctor. I feel great.”
Following his injury, MacDonald made steady gains to recovery, which included daily trips from his residence in Guelph to St. Catharines.
“I went to St. Catharines about five days a week for seven weeks to visit the Comprehensive Health Clinic. (Trainer/driver) Ondrej Gois recommended the place because it’s owned by one of his owners. They put me into a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and that really seemed to improve my recovery," said MacDonald.
MacDonald will sit behind three horses tonight, beginning in Race 7.
“I’ve been jogging and training a few horses over the past few days to get back in the routine," he said. "I’m looking forward to tonight. It’s not much fun being away from the sport you love and I’m excited to line up behind the gate. I’m just looking forward to being back, staying healthy and hopefully have a great summer.”
In his career, MacDonald has 670 wins with over $5.7 million in purse earnings.
MacDonald will steer Rocknroll Harmony in Race 7, Life Dream Hanover in Race 8 and Puff Mommy in Race 11.
First post on Thursday's 11-race card at Woodbine is scheduled for 7:25 p.m.
(WEG)