Jockey Bobby El-Issa heads to Muswellbrook races on Tuesday which marks the two-year anniversary since he left hospital after beating acute myeloid leukaemia.
"Two years today I walked out of hospital and never looked back," El-Issa said on Facebook this morning. "Having cancer empowered me to take more risks and be me and live my life to the fullest."
"To anyone reading this that's fighting something in there lives, determination and hope can overcome so much.
"A massive thank you to all the people who helped me get my wings back, you know who you are and especially the man upstairs."
El-Issa has two rides at Muswellbrook, the first of which is the aptly named Lease Of Life in the Vancouver @ Coolmore Class 1 Handicap (1000m).
"Ben Smith's horse Floki looks something to beat but the last time I rode Lease Of Life I won on her," El-Issa said.
El-Issa's other ride is Peter Robl's Percussion in the Godolphin Benchmark 55 Handicap (1500m).
"He looks a good chance," the jockey said. "His last run was solid after being three wide and he's drawn to get a soft run today.
"I'm just happy to be going to the races. Once we choose hope anything's possible."
