Eager Holland raring to go

Darryll Holland will return to action earlier than expected when he kicks off his 2006 campaign at Wolverhampton on Friday in a bid to prove he is back to his best.

Holland chased home Kieren Fallon in the 2003 campaign recording six Group One winners and a seasonal tally of 158, a score he nearly matched in 2004.

However, last season the Newmarket-based rider only managed 64 victories.

New agent Matt Chapman said today: “Darryll would be the first to admit he was not at his best in 2005 after a succession of falls.

“However, he’s had a good break now and is raring to go once again. He’s fit now, 100 per cent fit, but realises he has to prove that which is why we thought it sensible for him to come back early this year and show the trainers he’s up for it. Hopefully they will support him once again.

“However much talent a jockey has you have to put the work in and he’ll also be making himself much more available that in the past for riding work in the mornings – any trainer who wants him merely has to call!”

Holland, who rides as a freelance, will be hoping lightning strikes twice at Wolverhampton on Friday, where he rides Obrigado for William Haggas in the feature betdirect.co.uk Handicap.

Chapman added: “When Darryll returned to action in 2003 it was at Wolverhampton on Del Mar Sunset for William and he won by a short-head so with a bit of luck that might be a good omen.”