RACING
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August 2005 was the last time Katherine Bell was in the saddle but her big return to the track nearly fell apart at the final hurdle.
Bell, a former Newcastle apprentice jockey of the year, took time away from the sport to start a family but late last year she ramped up her preparation to return.
After riding trials and regaining her approved rider's licence Bell unfortunately suffered three serious lower back fractures when she fell from a horse while riding track work in early December.
But after countless hours of physio and recovery Bell will return today at the Geurie Picnic Races.
Bell, partner of fellow jockey Daniel Pitomac, has three rides penciled in for today and having recovered she said the main problem with the injury was that it forced her to wait a little longer to return.
"It was frustrating more than anything, I had to go through all the barrier trials to get a licence then I had the fall so it was frustrating after finally having a set comeback date to have it pushed back," she said.
"I came off on a Sunday and went and had x-rays that night and nothing showed up so rode again Tuesday and by Tuesday night I couldn't walk. I went to hospital again and then they didn't want me to leave."
Doctors told Bell she was overambitious when she said she wanted to ride at Geurie today but the hard work in recovery has paid off and after beginning riding trackwork two weeks ago she admits now the need to race is there as much as it was a decade ago.
"It was definitely always there, it was a lot harder with two young kids but that's why I've just come back to the picnics, being a professional jockey is harder because you never really know where you're going to go but the Picnics have set dates," she said.
"There's a bit of nervousness from not wanting to let anyone down, people have given me rides when they haven't really seen me and knowing I'm coming back from a fall so I don't want to let anyone down but in terms of racing there's no nerves."
Bell will start her day in race two, a Class B Handicap (1000m), onboard Rodney Robb's Our Mate Jim before riding Blinkin Hot and Centabeel for Narromine trainer Kyle Kennedy.
Centabeel will jump from barrier 11 in the day's feature race, the $4000 Geurie Picnic Trophy Handicap (1400m) and the horse has a special connection for Bell.
"Centabeel is a last start winner and has shown form and ability but the Cup is always a strong race," she said.
"My partner actually rode him for a win a few years ago so it was nice when Kylie gave me the ride because we know the horse and know the ability."
Today is a six-race non-TAB meeting at Geurie with the first race at 2.10pm and the last leaving the gates at 5.40pm.