Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup winning jockey Ryan Moore will return to action at Newmarket having been sidelined for more than two months with a neck injury.

The three-time British champion jockey rode work at Newmarket on Wednesday morning for the first time since injuring his neck in a barrier mishap at the July meeting.

He is expected to ride at Friday's meeting at the same track.

Earlier this month, Jamie Lovett of Australian Bloodstock which owns 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, said the ride remained open to Moore for the horse's defence.

Trained by Andreas Wohler to win the Cup, Protectionist is now with Kris Lees at Newcastle.

He was ridden by Craig Williams during an unsuccessful autumn campaign while Christian Reith has been aboard for his two runs this preparation.

Moore will ride the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Cannock Chase in a Listed race at Newmarket.

Stoute has Snow Sky headed to the Melbourne Cup with Damien Oliver booked to ride him in his Caulfield Cup lead-up.

Moore won the 2014 Cox Plate on Coolmore horse Adelaide.