by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — James MacDonald, who hasn’t driven since a Jan. 12 race accident at Woodbine, will return to the sulky Thursday night (March 21) at the Rexdale oval.

MacDonald, 27, suffered a broken right ankle along with torn ligaments following the spill. He required surgery on Jan. 14, which resulted in the addition of two plates and eight screws for corrective healing.

WEG/Michael Burns photo

James MacDonald will be back in the sulky on Thursday at Woodbine.

“I’m glad to be back,” MacDonald said. “It’s been over two months and I got a clean bill of health the other day from the doctor. I feel great.”

Following his injury, MacDonald made steady gains to recovery, which included daily trips from his residence in Guelph to St. Catherines.

“I went to St. Catherines about five days a week for seven weeks to visit the Comprehensive Health Clinic. (Trainer/driver) Ondre Gois recommended the place because it’s owned by one of his owners. They put me into a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and that really seemed to improve my recovery,” said MacDonald.

MacDonald will sit behind three horses Thursday night, beginning in race seven.

“I’ve been jogging and training a few horses over the past few days to get back in the routine,” he said. “I’m looking forward to tonight. It’s not much fun being away from the sport you love and I’m excited to line up behind the gate. I’m just looking forward to being back, staying healthy and hopefully have a great summer.”

In his career, MacDonald has 670 wins with more than $5.79 million in purse earnings.

MacDonald will steer Rocknroll Harmony in race seven, Life Dream Hanover in race eight and Puff Mommy in race 11.

First post on Thursday night’s 11-race card is scheduled for 7:25 p.m.