The Wellington mother of two and fiancee of professional jockey Daniel Pitomac is returning to race riding on Saturday at the Geurie Picnics and will ride for veteran Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb in her comeback. At trackwork Ms Bell was all smiles.-

"I don't think there will be any nerves. As long as I don't do anything silly or wrong it will be exciting," the former Newcastle Apprentice of the Year said.-

Ms Bell said major work at the physio and hours of swimming in the pool helped to heal her back, and the doctor only recently gave her the go ahead to ride high again.-

"It was all worth it and you know I must thank the trainers who gave me the chance to show I was fit enough to return and had the courage to allow me to ride their horses in my comeback," she said. "I won't let them down."-

Ms Bell said racing was in her blood and that she began riding ponies at five and always wanted to ride race horses.-

"People laughed at me back then, a girl wanting to be a jockey, but I was determined and I just love doing this," she said. "I got on the pony and said go faster, go faster."-

Her partner Daniel said he was pleased to see Katherine back and doing what she cherished so much in life.-

"I am just over the moon for Katherine," he said. "She is a very good jockey and we'll do this together. I'll look after the kids when she is riding and when I am riding she takes care of them.It's team work."-

Katherine says it will be wonderful to ride her first races near home. She has ridden on the track this week and feels comfortable.-

"This is family, and we all love horses and family. Its our life. It will be an experience for us all on Saturday."-

Katherine has no fear, matter of fact admits she has a need for speed despite the concern for women jockeys after two died in serious accidents in Australia last year and the falls which have happened to her.-

"It is something that has been part of my life. More people are killed in car accidents. It's a hard, tough sport, but I love horses," she said.-

Trainer Gayna Williams, who brings horses to train at Wellington from Gulgong, says Katherine is a very good rider.-

"She takes very good care of the horses, has lovely balance and I wish her well, she is a lovely person," she said.-

Katherine's professional star shone quickly winning a major race, the Charity Cup at Newcastle, on her second ever day in the saddle.-

"I was surprised I got a big winner that fast. I was indentured to trainer Terry Drayton and we had a lot of success, so when I get aboard on Saturday the memories will be coming back I suppose."-

Katherine will also board Centabeel in the Geurie Picnic Cup for Kylie Kennedy.