Allan step closer to re-launching riding career
Tony Allan is fit, focussed and fully committed for the relaunch of his career as a jockey.
At an age when retirement might be on the mind of some in the tough profession of race riding, Allan, 50, can’t wait to get out among the race day action.
Driven by his desire to ride his 1,000th winner in New Zealand, he was so very close on 996 wins when he walked away from race riding 12 years ago, Allan believes he returns to his homeland with new maturity, discipline and a positive attitude.
Allan won the 1988 Melbourne Cup on giant New Zealand mare Empire Rose and bowed out of race riding in early 2005.
He escaped the temptations of life in New Zealand and some personal problems, to earn a living for over 10 years riding track work in Japan and spent the last 18 months in Sydney.
‘‘I needed to get away and Japan provided me with a good option,’’ Allan said. ‘‘I have been at Peter and Paul Snowden’s [stable] for a year and a half. I think it’s great preparation for the next stage to go into race riding.
‘‘I rode a lot of jumpouts when I was there and it kept me very fit and with not drinking [alcohol] or doing anything other than eating healthy, my weight and my health are good.’’
Allan said he decided on a comeback after encouragement from friends and acquaintances and he has received many messages from well wishers since he recently made his intentions public.
‘‘I’ve had people helping me out which I really appreciate,’’ he said.
He returned from Sydney this week and has been given a medical clearance by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing in preparation for his first public appearance at next Tuesday’s Foxton trial meeting where he hopes to be given race day clearance by stewards.
All going to plan he will be riding at Wanganui on June 3 with the prospect of two rides already in the pipeline. He initially hoped to be back race riding at Trentham this weekend but had a slight holdup with medical records.
Allan is based in Levin and has been a regular at morning track work since his return.
‘‘I’ve worked hard for this comeback,’’ he said. ‘‘And it’s finally happening. I’m walking at 52 and a-half [kgs] no problem at all and will be able to get down even lighter during the summer.