Image © Healy Racing
Barry Stone is hoping to make his return to the saddle this weekend, as the reigning Eastern Champion has been forced to miss the opening six weekends of action through injury.
The Cleariestown-based rider has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder in the Denvir’s of Downpatrick QR Handicap Hurdle on July 15th, when finishing fourth aboard Tyson for fellow Wexford trainer Paul Nolan.
The Cleariestown-based rider has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder in the Denvir’s of Downpatrick QR Handicap Hurdle on July 15th, when finishing fourth aboard Tyson for fellow Wexford trainer Paul Nolan.
“I went to give him a slap and it just popped out,” he explained. “It happened on the 15th of July and I had my operation a month later, on the 15th of August.”
Following a steady recovery, Stone is now awaiting final medical clearance.
“I’m hoping to be back this weekend, I’m going to the doctor on Thursday, and hopefully I’ll get the all-clear to ride again. I think I should be okay to go straight back race-riding.”
Stone has continued to stay involved during his rehabilitation, keeping a close eye on the horses at home.
“I’ve still been around the yard, keeping an eye on things,” he said.
“I’m in with Jonathan Fogarty, and I’m doing a bit as well for Benny Walsh, John Walsh, and Mark Scallan. There’s plenty of horses around the place, so I’m looking forward to getting going again.”
The injury came after a career-defining season in which the 25-year-old enjoyed Cheltenham Festival glory and a share of the eastern riders’ title. Stone’s year peaked in March when he guided the Paul Nolan-trained Daily Present to victory in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase.
Making his first appearance in Britain, he produced a perfectly judged ride to hold off Derek O’Connor’s mount Johnnywho by a neck.
Making his first appearance in Britain, he produced a perfectly judged ride to hold off Derek O’Connor’s mount Johnnywho by a neck.
“It is magical stuff and I’ve been dreaming of it for years growing up. Nothing will top this now,” he said afterwards.
On the home front, Stone capped his best season to date by being crowned joint Eastern Champion alongside Rob James.
Having initially secured the title at the end of April, he was made to wait when a replacement fixture at Tattersalls on May 18th was added to the calendar. James, one winner behind, guided Coral Sunset to victory to draw level, and Stone chose to vacate his final ride to share the title.
Both finished on 21 winners and were presented with their awards at the GAIN Point-to-Point Awards at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, in June.
Having initially secured the title at the end of April, he was made to wait when a replacement fixture at Tattersalls on May 18th was added to the calendar. James, one winner behind, guided Coral Sunset to victory to draw level, and Stone chose to vacate his final ride to share the title.
Both finished on 21 winners and were presented with their awards at the GAIN Point-to-Point Awards at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, in June.
Stone’s rise has been built on steady progress since his first point-to-point ride at Ballingarry in 2017 and his breakthrough win aboard Unexpected Depth at Loughrea in 2018. Strong partnerships with Jonathan Fogarty and Gary Murphy in recent years have since helped him develop into one of the region’s most sought after riders.
“Last year was such a good year that it’ll be hard to get near it again after missing a month and a half, but hopefully I’ll get a few winners back and keep things ticking over.”
