文羅強戰回歸
Munro gets all-clear to ride again
by Bill Barber
ALAN MUNRO has been passed fit to try to resurrect his career in Britain for a second time after the medical review panel of the BHA informed him he could reapply for his jockey's licence.
Munro, who won the Derby aboard Generous in 1991 but was out of racing for four years before 2005, had been forced to sit on the sidelines since suffering convulsions on a flight to Deauville in August last year.
His agent Laura Way said on Friday that Munro was keen to return to the saddle as soon as possible, and hopes to begin race-riding at the end of the all-weather season in February or March.
Munro has admitted to having had "some form of convulsion" twice in the past but tests cleared him of epilepsy with last year's episode blamed on a "vasovagal syncope" - fainting caused by low blood pressure which can be corrected by non-pharmacological measures such as diet.
The jockey, who has spent much of his absence from the saddle in China practising martial arts, saw the medical review panel on Monday and said in a statement issued by Withy King solicitors: "It has been a long process, and although it has been frustrating not being able to ride for such a long time, it has allowed me to enjoy a great year living in Shanghai and in many respects it has been a positive and rewarding time.
"The results of all medical examinations clear me of any neurological problems. Happily this means I can now resume my racing life. I am very fit still and looking forward to the new season in 2008."
Munro's absence from the racecourse cost him dear during the last Flat season when he would have been trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam's first choice to ride Derby winner Authorized.
Trainer Rod Millman is another big fan of Munro - he credited him with finding the key to his star stayer Sergeant Cecil - and he said: "It's wonderful news. It will be great to have Alan back and obviously he'll come back and ride for me if he wants to."
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