3 minute read

After three months away from racing, premiership-winning jockey David Pires is set to make his return in Hobart on Sunday.

David Pires' last race ride was in early March, with a forced absence from the saddle arising due to a trackwork incident at Five Mile Beach.

"I broke five ribs, ribs eight through to twelve on the left-hand side.

"Naval Anthem just shied at one of the puddles on the beach, and I went over the top, and the horse just got me on the back of the ribs where there isn't the protection from the safety vest," Pires explained.

Pires is easing his way back into race riding, accepting just the one ride aboard Furneaux in the 1100m 0-62 on Sunday.

"I'll be taking a few heavy rides initially while I try to get a bit more weight off."

While Pires has been on the sidelines, his partner Kasi Boxall has returned to the riding ranks, which will create a new dynamic when they eventually clash in a race.

"I rode against Kasi years ago when she was an apprentice before we were together, but I've already told her there will be no favours when I'm back," Pires said with a laugh.

A four-time premiership winner, Pires was in the thick of the title race with Brendon McCoull last season, but with both riders injured for a large portion of this season, it's paved the way for a new premiership winner.

With eight meetings left in the season and a 14-win lead, Anthony Darmanin is all but assured of a first premiership, which Pires says would be a great achievement.

"I was an apprentice with Darma at Colin Alderson's at Cranbourne when he first started, so I've known him for a long time.

"I think it's just a fantastic effort by him. He's pretty much a Tassie boy, he's been flying in for nearly 20 years now, and I'm really happy for him."