Trainer Mick Channon is recuperating at home after being released from hospital less than a week after a car crash in which his friend, bloodstock agent, Tim Corby (63) died and the former England football international was seriously injured.
The trainer, who is based near Newbury in Berkshire, sustained a broken jaw, broken ribs, a broken arm and a punctured lung after the crash on the way home from the Doncaster sales last Friday.
Channon's 15-year-old son, Jack, was also in the car but was not seriously hurt.
He returned home to his west Ilsley yard today where Corby was regarded as his right-hand man.
The yard issued a statemnt confirming Channon's return after injuries which required two operations and two days in intensive care.
The statement said: "He's made great progress and, to the relief of Gill, Susan and Joe, spoke briefly to them in the office on Wednesday afternoon.
He's expressed his gratitude to everyone who has sent their well-wishes."