Racing: 'Magic' back in saddle

The magic is about to return to South Island racing.

Star rider Chris Johnson has applied for a jockey's licence for the first time since he quit riding seven years ago in 1998.

Johnson, 41, said he had missed raceday riding "on and off" and he had re-applied for a licence so he could ride some of his own trained horses should he want to.

"I'm training half a dozen horses and there could be a time when I have trouble getting jockeys for them," Johnson said.

"If my weight was right, there's a couple of horses I wouldn't mind riding."

Johnson earned the nickname "Magic" for his ability to produce a genius ride.

Among his most memorable wins were the group one New Zealand Oaks on Tycoon Lil, Tartan Tights and Domino and his Railway and Telegraph Handicaps double on Loader.

He won the jockeys' premiership in 1995-96 with 140 winners and was the 13th New Zealand jockey to ride 1000 domestic winners.

But with that genius came trouble. Johnson often earned the ire of officialdom with irresponsible behaviour off the track.

In recent times, the father of three has found focus through his breaking in, pre-training and training work at Amberley in North Canterbury.

He admitted he was excited by the prospect of returning to competitive riding.

"I've got a bit of work to do to get there. I'm nine stone [57kg] at the moment," he said.

"But it's like riding a bike - you never forget."

- NZPA