FORMER two-time champion apprentice Connor King has moved back to Ireland after a two-year stint in Britain and is basing himself with Joseph O’Brien.

The 22-year-old had his first rides back on home soil in Roscommon on Tuesday evening, and nearly made the perfect return when finishing a close second on Philip Dempsey’s Iknowwhereiamnow in a handicap hurdle.

King rode 126 winners on the flat in Ireland before growing to a height that made it difficult for him to do light weights. He moved to the north of England and was based with Tim Easterby and John Quinn, riding 10 winners from 157 rides over jumps.

“I learned plenty over there, which was always the main goal,” King said. “I suppose it was a bit difficult as I had no claim and people didn’t know me as well as back here.

“Tim and John didn’t have as many jumps horses for the summer, so I decided to come home and give it a go.

“I literally only came back last Saturday and I am just taking every day as it comes now.

“Joseph’s yard is a great place to be.”

HIGHLY REGARDED

King was highly regarded when riding as an apprentice here and proved too strong for both Colin Keane and Ronan Whelan when winning his first apprentices’ title in 2013.

He was based with David Wachman but also rode plenty of winners for Jessica Harrington, David Marnane and Willie McCreery.

There were many highlights, including a listed winner for Harrington, despite not being able to use his 5lb claim at the time, on Royal Blue Star in the Platinum Stakes at Cork in 2013.

Like many other flat jockeys, the battle with the scales became too tough for King, who now stands at 6ft 1in.

“They were great times; it was great to be associated with so many good trainers,” King said.

“It was tough though towards the end of that spell. I’d be going to the races and barely able to have a mouthful of water. It became a lot easier for me when I switched over to the jumps.

“I can do 10st 4lb easily enough and in general I find my weight has levelled out and is a lot more stable. More importantly, now I’m going to the races and am able to concentrate more on the race than on my weight.”