Jockey Bobby El-Issa is vowing to turn around his chequered career and fight his way back to top of the jockey ranks when he starts riding back in the Metropolitan area from July 1.

Trainer Robert Heathcote said he will give Bobby El-Issa rides when he returns to city racing. Photo by Daniel Costello.

El-Issa was today granted a city licence by the Queensland All Codes Racing Industry Board and he can’t wait to get back into action on the major tracks.

“I’m really happy to be back. It has been a hard couple of years,” El-Issa said.

“There are plenty of trainers and owners who are keen for me to ride for them when I resume in the city.”

El-Issa was disqualified for eighteen months for his ride on Bold Glance when second to Essington at Eagle Farm in February 2011 with stewards charging him with failing to give his mount every possible chance of winning.

When El-Issa’s jockey licence was reinstated, in November 2012, he was only permitted to ride in the country until the board granted him permission to return to city racing.

El-Issa returned to the saddle at Dalby in November and immediately starting riding winner’s on the country circuit while  working towards his return to the main stage.

“I just want to come back, ride winners and show people I can do it,” El-issa said.

“You’ve got no idea what it will mean to me.”

“It’s been a long two years. I’ve learned my lesson, I’ve paid my dues, and then some.”

El-Issa has been riding work for Brisbane’s leading trainer Robert Heathcote who has a high opinion of him as a rider and said that rides will be there if he continues to work hard.

“He’s a fearsome rider, he’ll take the gaps, he’s a good judge, and although he’s had his disciplinary issues with stewards, hopefully he’s learned from all that,” Heathcote said.

“He’s a 35-year-old teenager. If he works hard, he’ll get rides on horses that I think will suit him.”