Tony Allan slated for comeback in NZ

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Tony Allen says he’s planning a comeback in New Zealand next month.

Allen, 50, wants to snag his 1000th win at Trentham on May 27, pending trial rides the week before and the finalisation of his jockey’s licence.

Allan won the Melbourne Cup on giant New Zealand mare Empire Rose in 1988 and in 2005 bowed out after racking up 998 wins.

He moved to Japan that year to work as a track rider, which he said allowed him to work through some personal issues.

“I needed to get away … for me to get away and, you could say, be brave and change,” Allan told RSN927 on Wednesday.

“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.

“One, it’s kept me very fit and two, not drinking or doing anything other than eating healthy and my weight is good.”

Allan said he decided on a comeback after encouragement from friends in the past few weeks.