During his enforced absence, Winston also underwent treatment at an addiction clinic in Ireland after admitting to a drink problem.

He was glad to be back in action at the Surrey track, though, and despite drawing a blank, he still has new champion Jamie Spencer looking over his shoulder.

“It’s great to have him back. He’s one of the most popular jockeys in the weighing room, but I just hope he doesn’t become too good,” quipped Spencer.

“The title is going to be much harder to win, especially with him around, but I’ve got so much admiration for him. He’s admitted a problem and dealt with it.”

Winston came close to a winner when Marko Jadeo was beaten a length and a quarter behind Ever Cheerful in the Fred Gibson Memorial Claiming Stakes, but he was not at all disheartened by his narrow defeat.

“It is great to be back,” said Winston. “I was drinking myself to death. I just couldn’t control it.

“There have been some dark days, but I am surprised at myself. I thought it might take me a little while to get back into the swing of things fitness-wise, but it hasn’t been too bad.

“I will probably need a few more days, but it has gone better than I expected. It has been difficult, but I’ve been looking forward to getting back.”

Steve Drowne was also “delighted” to have Winston back among friends.

He added: “Robert looks very fit and I think he’s surprised himself with how sharp he’s found himself.

“He’s never been the lightest, but for him, it’s the lightest he’s been for a while.

“Most of us didn’t know he had a drink problem. It came as a surprise to all but very few of us, and he’s a brave man to come out and admit it.

“The boys have so much respect for him and it is wonderful to have him back.

“He’s one of the nicest lads in the weighing room and it is a pleasure to have him in the fold.”

Winston will continue his comeback with five rides at Southwell on Tuesday.