Promising apprentice Tajay Suckoo is eyeing a return to the saddle by mid-July following a recent injury that temporarily halted his strong start to the season.

According to his agent Lerone ‘’Breeda’’ Lee, the 22-year-old rider, who had already notched an impressive 15 wins this season, has remained focused and determined during his recovery.

Suckoo, currently sitting fifth in the jockeys’ championship, was involved in an unfortunate fall during morning exercise a few weeks ago, while aboard a two-year-old. The incident resulted in a hairline fracture in his ankle, a particularly sensitive area for jockeys who rely heavily on foot pressure for balance and control.

“It has been a very hard time for him,” Lee said. “But he has been doing well. The date for the cast to be removed is June 19, and after that it will be straight rehab. So I am expecting him to be back in the saddle at about the second or third week in July. June will be like the month of recovery, and July will be the month that he will be riding.”

The injury came at a time when both Suckoo and his team believed he had a legitimate shot at pushing for championship honours this year.

“Both of us are very disappointed because of the type of rides we were receiving,” Lee added. “I really thought that he had a good chance of competing for the championship this year. So when the injury took place, we were both disappointed. But we don’t question the work of the Lord, everything happens for a reason.

“We just have to take it in strides and move on positively,” he said.

Despite the setback, Lee says Suckoo has maintained his hunger and focus. “I have watched a couple of races with him while he is out injured and he is very hungry. He has the zest and the fire inside, so he should come back a lot more scary,” Lee said.

Looking ahead, the agent remains confident that Suckoo’s potential is only beginning to show.

“I think that if he stays under the right guidance because there are no shortcuts to being a good jockey and once he maintains all the intangibles and does what he has to do, I think he can one day become a champion jockey,” Lee asserted.