Published: January 22, 2010 3:14 pm ET

Last Comment: January 28, 2010 1:10 pm ET | 21 Comment(s) | Jump to Comments

After taking an extended hiatus from driving horses in the standardbred racing industry, three-time O'Brien Award winner Chris Christoforou has discussed details of his imminent return with Trot Insider.

The 38-year-old has not driven a horse since July 13, 2009 after taking time off to deal with personal issues. Christoforou's license was reinstated today.

"It's a big relief to both myself and my family for me to be able to get back into the bike and start driving again," said Christoforou. "Next to my wonderful family, driving horses is my life...it's going to be great to get back out there again...it's where I belong"

'The Golden Greek' told Trot Insider that he will be available to drive on Woodbine Racetrack's Thursday, January 28 program of racing.

The career winner of over 5,300 races earned O'Brien Awards as Canada's Driver of the Year after sensational seasons in 1999, 2002 and 2003.

In his career, the resident of Campbellville, Ont. has driven horses to just under $85 million in purses.

Christoforou is going to expand on some of the issues he has recently faced in an exclusive feature article in the upcoming March 2010 issue of Trot Magazine.