Condon returns to Ireland to become Elliott assistant

Davy Condon is poised to return to Ireland after 18 months in Dubai to fill the vacancy that will be left at Gordon Elliott's yard by the departure of Ollie Murphy.

Saturday will be Murphy's final day in the role of assistant to Elliott, as he is to embark on his own training career in Warwickshire. Much like the stables in Elliott's Cullentra House, the position won't be unfilled for long, as Condon has seized the opportunity to renew his former association with the yard.

Forced to retire from the saddle aged 30 after a fall from Portrait King in the 2015 Grand National left him with a second serious back injury, Condon's big-race victories for Elliott included the 2014 Labroke Hurdle aboard Bayan.

After spending a few months recuperating and travelling with his fiancee Louise, whom he is due to marry in December, Condon took up a position as a barn manager at Hamdan Al Maktoum's Dubai Stables in 2016.

"When I knew Ollie was leaving I spoke with Gordon about what sort of opportunity there might be, and he was happy for me to take the job," Condon said while visiting Punchestown this week.

"I'm going back to Dubai on Thursday and will return to start with Gordon the week of the Galway races in July. It's exciting. Dubai came at the right time because my head was fried about not being able to ride, so I needed to get away.

"My brain has accepted it now, though, and I've moved on, so this will be a new chapter. Gordon already has a great team so I'm looking forward to slotting in."

Condon rode more than 900 winners, including nine Grade 1s and two Cheltenham Festival victories.

Elliott said: "Davy will be a big addition to the team, and himself and 'Busty' [Ian Amond, his other assistant] will work alongside me.

"Davy is a great work-rider and has a great way with people, so the role will suit him."