Back-from-injury rider Darren Danis made his return to the winner’s circle aboard outsider Sokitome in a Maiden race (1400m) at Te Teko in New Zealand on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Singaporean apprentice jockey only made his riding comeback a week earlier, eight months after injuring his spine in a horror race fall at Washdyke on July 30, 2017.

Indentured to Matamata trainers Wayne and Vanessa Hillis since 2014, Danis, who had 10 winners (from 169 rides) under the belt before his fall, said it was a “very good feeling” to cross the line first again, especially after his riding career hung in the balance given the severity of his injury (plates had to be inserted to his fractured T4 and T5 vertebrae).

“It’s a very good feeling to be back a winner. I’ve gone through a rough time in the last eight months but with today’s win, I can look forward now,” said the son of jockey-turned-trained Luke Danis.

“My horse sat handy from the start, but around 700m from home, he dropped the bit and dropped from fifth gear to third gear.

“But then, he picked up again and fought very well to the line to score by half-a-length. It’s funny how my first win from injury came at Te Teko as that is the same racecourse where I rode my first winner – it’s a good spot for me for sure.

“I’m also happy today’s winner is trained by Toby and Debbie Autridge as they were the first to put me on at the trials.

“They’ve always been supportive and have become close family friends since. I once gave them a bottle of champagne and they told me they would open it when I ride a winner for them.

“I guess we will be celebrating tonight!”