BEN Curtis is to postpone an operation on his shoulder as he targets his first Flat jockeys championship.
The rider currently sits fourth in the table but dislocated his shoulder while booting home a winner at Newcastle last week.
Doctors have told the 31-year-old he’ll need to go under the knife to solve the problem long-term, but he is determined to hold off for now.
Curtis has struck up a new role with Mark Johnston this season and hasn’t given up on chasing down Will Buick and Oisin Murphy just yet, with 33 winners to his name.
He said: “Things are looking up now, I’m pain free and just need the thumbs-up from the doctors and medics.
“I need an operation on it but I’m going to wait until the season is done to get it done. That’s the plan anyway.
“All the nice horses are out in the summer and I don’t want to give up on the championship yet.
“Missing the all weather racing over the winter makes sense to me, I’d rather do that.”
Curtis has ruled out making a comeback this weekend despite Oaks runner-up likely to run at Haydock.
But he hopes to be back in the saddle sooner rather than later.
He added: “I don’t want to put an exact date on it as these things can change quickly. But I feel a lot better now.
“I’m pain free and should be back a lot sooner than I was originally thinking. I know they have my best interests at heart, but I’ll be pushing them to let me back as soon as I can!”
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