Southern jockey Samantha Wynne made a winning return to the saddle on Saturday aboard Diorissimo at Riccarton.

The Irish-born rider had been on the sidelines since August after undergoing surgery on her anterior cruciate ligament after injuring her knee at Wingatui last May.

Wynne was ecstatic to get the victory and said she had missed riding on race day.

“You don’t know how much it means to you until it’s half taken away,” she said.

“It was brilliant being back in the winners’ enclosure and hopefully there are many more to come.”

Wynne has enjoyed being back in the saddle and was delighted with all the support she has received.

“I have had some great support and I won’t forget the people who have been there for me throughout,” she said.

“I have had some very loyal people and I am very grateful for the support I have been getting.

“Hopefully I can repay them by riding lots of winners.”