It was a big day for trainer Steele Ryan and an even bigger one for comeback jockey Lyall Appo at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.Ryan's first city runner of the year, Susashi, scored a commanding two-length win in the Drumbeats @Lyndhurst Maiden Handicap (1200m) to give Appo a victory with his first ride in more than 12 months.Appo, 48, fractured his back riding at Nanango in southeast Queensland on Australia Day last year and only recently returned to riding trackwork for Deagon trainer Ryan.Appo has

It was a big day for trainer Steele Ryan and an even bigger one for comeback jockey Lyall Appo at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

Ryan's first city runner of the year, Susashi, scored a commanding two-length win in the Drumbeats @Lyndhurst Maiden Handicap (1200m) to give Appo a victory with his first ride in more than 12 months.

Appo, 48, fractured his back riding at Nanango in southeast Queensland on Australia Day last year and only recently returned to riding trackwork for Deagon trainer Ryan.

Appo has been riding since he was 15 and is regarded as one of the best bush jockeys in Queensland.

"It's been over 12 months since I've ridden in a race," Appo said.

"I haven't ridden in a race since I fractured my back on Australia Day last year and I gave myself a year off to recover.

"I've been riding trackwork at Deagon which got my blood simmering to ride again."

Appo's son Beau, who is an apprentice with Michael Lakey at Deagon, and former top jockey Gavan Duffy also played behind-the-scenes roles in his successful return.

Duffy made a rare appearance as a strapper for Ryan and paraded Susashi in the saddling enclosure.

"Beau has motivated me a lot to get back to riding and to have `Duff' lead me around was a real thrill," Appo.

"When I was an apprentice Duffy was my idol."

During his time recovering, Appo's weight soared to 62 kilograms but he now has it under control and can ride at 55kg.

Susashi's win was timely for Ryan who contemplated handing in his trainer's licence six months ago before his father, John Ryan, convinced him to stay on for another year.

Ryan runs a successful building products company and has found training too time-consuming.

He cut back his stable from 20 to eight but after deciding not to quit his numbers have grown back to a dozen.

Meanwhile, jockey Damian Browne forecast a bright future for Gold Coast three-year-old Tamban following his easy 1-1/2-length win in the skyracing.tv Maiden Handicap (1000m).

Tamban had little trouble disposing of his opposition, scoring comfortably over debutant Rock Royalty.

"He's very laid-back and has got a lovely big stride," Browne said.

"The more racing he does the better he'll get and I think he'll definitely make the grade.

"I think once he gets something to chase he'll be even better."

Tamban, a son of Written Tycoon, is owned by Sydney media personality Ray Hadley and was having only his second start after finishing second at Eagle Farm last July.