On the eve of the 26/27 Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival, the state’s riding stocks are being boosted by the return of two former Premiership winners.

David Pires has had two meetings back from a rib injury sustained in a May fall in Devonport, and Codi Jordan makes her return from a three-month holiday with four rides on the eight-race program in Launceston on Friday night.

Pires has eased into his comeback, with medical clearance to accept only two rides at a meeting until Friday night.

“I’m fully cleared now, but I’m riding at 58 (kilograms) so I’m not pushing myself too hard too soon,” said Pires, who won back-to-back Tasmanian Jockey Premierships in 2015/16 & 2016/17.

Pires was dislodged from his mount, Wholesome, as the gates opened in a Devonport race on 31 May.

“I was pretty lucky to escape anything really serious, but my rib got the brunt of it, and it’s been fairly painful as I’ve ramped up physio in the last few weeks.”

Pires has two rides on Friday night as he chases his first winner post-injury. Sorell Eagles will be an outside chance in the maiden (1420m); however, Toorak Lad comes off an impressive maiden win when he rises in grade to contest a Class 1 (1420m).

“I do all Toorak Lad’s work, but I wasn’t cleared to ride when he won last start,” said Pires.

“Obviously Erica (Byrne Burke) did a great job there, but I’m happy to be back aboard. He’s a big horse, so the draw (11) shouldn’t be a problem if we can get a nice run.”

The third race is comfortably the biggest field of the night, but Toorak Lad will come in a couple of barriers if the last two emergencies don’t gain a start.

Codi Jordan had a taste of Launceston Night Racing as a co-host of the Tasracing Live broadcast last Friday night. She steps out of the broadcast booth and back into the saddle with three rides for Glenn Stevenson and one for Stuart Gandy.

Her return is timely, with Stevenson and Jordan likely to team up with Blameitontheboogie in next month’s $150,000 Listed Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

The rail moves out to the +9m position for Friday night’s Launceston program, the fifth of six consecutive Friday nights at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre. Colin McNiff will provide coverage on Tasracing Live and Sky Thoroughbred Central, with the first race set for 18:00.