Jimmy Cassidy says he’s ‘ready to ride the race of my life’ in final Melbourne Cup

JIM Cassidy declared he is ready to ride the race of his life on Grand Marshal in the champion jockey’s final Melbourne Cup.

Dissident ridden by Jim Cassidy wins race 6 the All Aged Stakes during Stakes Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse. pic Mark Evans

• THE FORM: ULTIMATE CUP GUIDE
• THE FIELD: MELBOURNE CUP
• ANALYSIS: THE LEAD-UP RACES
• SPRING RACING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

JIM Cassidy declared he is ready to ride the race of his life on Grand Marshal in the champion jockey’s final Melbourne Cup.

Cassidy, 52, will retire from race riding this week but is determined to have the fairytale ending to his celebrated career.

“It is time, I’ve made my decision to retire and I’m comfortable with it,’’ Cassidy said.

“But I’ve got some unfinished business first. I’ve got a really good chance on Grand Marshal in the Melbourne Cup and I’m ready to ride the race of my life.’’

SWEEP GENERATOR: TAP HERE TO CREATE AND PRINT YOUR OWN SWEEP

Grand Marshal is rated a $41 for the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

Japanese raider Fame Game remains favourite but has eased with TAB Fixed Odds from $3.20 out to $4.20.

Another international raider, Trip To Paris has firmed into $7.50 and Preferment is on the third line of betting at $9.50.

But Cassidy, the winner of two Melbourne Cups on Kiwi (1983) and Might And Power (1997), maintains he can win the race on Grand Marshal.

“By no means is Grand Marshal the best horse in the race but he is a strong two-miler,’’ Cassidy said.

Jim Cassidy looks to the heavens after winning the 1997 Melbourne Cup in 1997.

“He has been well-prepared by Chris Waller, a bit of rain around won’t hurt him and his lead-up form has been very good. I think he can do it.’’

Grand Marshal, who is trying to emulate legendary champions Carbine (1890) and Makye Diva (2004) as the only winners of the Sydney Cup-Melbourne Cup double, goes into today’s big race after a luckless effort when 11th to Mongolian Khan in the Caulfield Cup.

“I thought it was a very good Cup trial,’’ Cassidy said. “He pulled up well and showed me he is ready.’’

Cassidy has been at the top of his field for four decades, has won 104 Group 1 races and many feel he is still riding as well as ever so why the decision to retire from riding?

MACCA, MATTY AND DANNY ASSESS EVERY RUNNER IN THE MELBOURNE CUP IN A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE SUPERRACING PODCAST. LISTEN BELOW

“First of all my body, there are a few aches and pains, and I want to spend my time with my Dad, who is not well, my (wife) Vicki and my daughters,’’ Cassidy said.

“Once I made my mind up that this would be my last Melbourne Cup Carnival, I’ve felt a burden lift off my shoulders. I’m happy so I know I’ve made the right decision.,

“Plus, my opportunities have been drying up a bit so I want to go out on my terms.

“My last day will be Thursday when I ride Dawnie Perfect in the Victoria Oaks for my old mates Singo (John Singleton) and Clarry (Conners).’’

Cassidy said he would have ridden Emirates Stakes Day on Saturday but could not pick up a ride.

“What does that tell you?’’ Cassidy said.

Cassidy’s Melbourne Cup mount Grand Marshal winning at Flemington on Cup Day last year. Picture: Colleen Petch

When asked to nominate the three greatest moments of his riding career, Cassidy paused to reflect on his wonderful career.

“There are so many highlights,’’ he said.

“Winning two Melbourne Cups, the Grand Slam, winning the Cup on Might And Power after coming back from the Jockey Tapes, the Hall of Fame, becoming the first jockey after Roy Higgins and George Moore to win 100 Group 1 races, I’m proud of what I have achieved and I have no regrets.

“But the three greatest moments is winning the Cup on Kiwi, my 100th Group 1 winner on Zoustar (2013 Coolmore Stud Stakes) and 33 years after riding in my first Melbourne Cup, I’m still here competing at this level and riding in another one.

“I probably will be a bit emotional when I go out there to ride Grand Marshal but I’ll be going out there to give it my best shot again.’’

Melb Cup interactive

CLICK HERE