Alan Munro is back. The former York apprentice jockey, who became a dual-Derby winner in the early-90s before heading off to ride in Hong Kong, has returned to Britain to resurrect his career.

Munro, having admitted to feeling burnt out from racing, has spent the last four years out of racing, concentrating instead on becoming a karate black belt and taking part in martial arts competitions around the world.

Now, though, the racing bug has bitten him once more and Munro, who started his career with Warthill trainer Mel Brittain, is back in the UK, based at Newmarket.

The jockey who completed the English-Irish Derby double on Generous in 1991, has clearly lost none of his dash or skill, as he proved when riding a winner for Devon trainer Rod Millman at Lingfield on Saturday on his comeback mount.

Tomorrow he returns to the Surrey course with good prospects of completing a double on Subyan Dreams and Ballgriffin Kid.

The former is trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, for whom Munro is likely to be riding regularly this season.

The three-year-old showed plenty of promise in her first season and looks the type to pay her way this term. She should not be overlooked in the Game On & Bet Direct On ITV Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs.

Gay Kelleway has snapped-up Munro to ride Ballygriffin Kid in the betdirect.co.uk Classified Stakes. This consistent five-year-old looks sure to go well on a course where he has won in the past.

Also worth attention - and awarded my Nap vote - is Long Weekend in Lingfield's opening race, the Press Red To Bet On ITV Handicap over seven furlongs.

The seven-year-old, runner-up on his latest start, is from Derek Shaw's Nottinghamshire stable which was under a cloud for much of the winter, when there was coughing in the yard, but has bounced back to form with a vengeance in recent weeks. Darren Williams has the mount on Long Weekend.

At Chepstow, Six Of One can win for Richard Rowe in the Avonmouth And Portbury Occupational Health Novices' Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old is unlucky not to have won before now.

Mick Fitzgerald, who rode well at Cheltenham last week, is aboard the gelding tomorrow.

Trainer Seamus Mullins recently brought back Otahuna to win on his return from a long absence and the nine-year-old, who missed all last season, may be able to follow-up in the Army Benevolent Fund Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, March 22, 2005