Jockey Luke Dittman ramps up return from back injury

Jockey Luke Dittman will ramp up his return from a back injury by riding four genuine winning chances at the Gold Coast as he looks to heap pressure on current jockeys premiership leaders.

JOCKEY Luke Dittman believes he will take to the saddle on four genuine winning chances today as he continues his return from injury.

Dittman rode for the first time in over a month last weekend after taking time off to try and improve the condition of a back injury that has plagued him for some time.

The 27-year-old said he will trial his back over the coming weeks as he continues to wait for the day he will need surgery.

“It was good to get away and have a break,” Dittman said.

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“Not doing anything with it made it heal a lot quicker than anything. I think it’s one of those wear and tear injuries. I’ll probably have to do get something done with it at some point but I’m trying to prolong it for as long as I can before I need surgery.

“I’ll how it is for the next month. It’s still sore but bearable and I can push out the next six or 12 months or however long it may be.

“Even the surgeon said ‘you will know when you have to come in, you wont be able to move on it’.”

The hoop currently has 21 wins to his name, four less than Gold Coast jockeys premiership leader Ryan Plumb who is currently overseas with family.

Jockey Luke Dittman will ramp up his return from a back injury today. (AAP Image/David Clark)

Dittman used his break to travel to Singapore to see his father and legendary jockey Mick Dittman and after a week in Asia both went to England where they attended the famous Cheltenham Festival.

Dittman will ride Exceedingly, Hermitage, Exactamente and Comic Story for Gillian Heinrich at Aquis Park should the track not be downgraded to a heavy rating with added rain.

“All those horses are going well, Gillian’s team is on fire lately,” Dittman said.

“Exceedingly can win, Hermitage has been knocking on the door, Comic Story and Exactamente are just about there.

“It really depends if we get rain overnight and how the track holds up. It could be one of those days you go to the races and ride four winners with a bit of luck.”