Turner was Britain's first female champion apprentice jockey

Britain's top female jockey Hayley Turner has been cleared to return to action after a review by a British Horseracing Authority medical panel.

The 26-year-old suffered head injuries in a fall on the Newmarket gallops in early March.

In April she was told she would be unable to reapply for her racing licence until next year.

But she contested that decision and will now be allowed back into the riding ranks from Friday at Ascot.

BHA spokesman Paul Struthers said: "Following a hearing of the medical review panel, having heard the latest medical reports, they have recommended that Hayley Turner be granted a licence."

Turner, who created history last year when she became the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in Britain. was understandably delighted at the decision.

She said: "I am obviously over the moon with today's decision and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the last few months, especially Dr Kirkpatrick and the other doctors and Justin Wadham.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Turner's return

"I would also like to thank my mother for putting up with all my moods for the last few months.

"I am so looking forward to Friday and riding for Michael Bell, who has been so supportive."

She is set to ride Prompter and Great Charm for Bell, who is also pleased that she is able to return to action.

"I'm very happy with the news," he said. "It's been so frustrating for Hayley as we have had the neurosurgeons' reports recommending that she is fit to ride for three weeks but she has just been waiting for an appeal date.

"It's been frustrating to have to sit and wait but we're delighted with the decision and she's very excited to be back where she belongs. Hopefully now it will be onwards and upwards."

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