Larry Cassidy back in the winner’s circle after long injury lay-off

WHEN you consider the star Winx has become in the past 16 months, it provides a clearer picture of the hellish time jockey Larry Cassidy had gone through before his breakthrough win on Saturday.

Trainer Brian Smith and jockey Larry Cassidy celebrate after Sonny Legend's win at Doomben. Picture: Natasha Wood

WHEN you consider the phenomenon Winx has become in the past 16 months, it provides a clearer picture of the hellish time ace jockey Larry Cassidy had gone through before his breakthrough on Sony Legend at Doomben on Saturday.

Sony Legend was Cassidy’s first winner since partnering Winx to success in the Sunshine Coast Guineas last May.

While Winx has gone on to be the undisputed star of Australian racing, Cassidy has ­defied medical advice and pushed through the pain barrier to return to riding.

“At one stage I had all but given up. I was in a pretty deep hole,” said Cassidy, who was sidelined for more than a year with a career-threatening knee injury.

“The doctor said I would need another 12 months and I told him that’s not possible. It would finish me. I’m still sore after a ride and I will be for six months.

“I’ve lost 13kg and I’ve still got another 1.5kg to go before I can ride 54kg again. I’ve been on a very strict exercise regimen. I’ve been walking 60-70km a week and that takes its toll on the knees, but it’s the only way I can get the weight off. I have to do the hard yards.”

Cassidy, who made a low-key return last month, said it was always going to take time to get back in the groove.

Larry Cassidy had not ridden a winner since steering Winx to victory in last year’s Sunshine Coast Guineas. Picture: Tara Croser

“I rode two and a half weeks earlier than originally planned and I’m still a work in progress,” he said. “I’m still getting my timing right. I sat on my backside for nine months eating and drinking the wrong thing and you lose touch.

“I’m not there yet but the more I ride the better I will get and I think I’m probably another two weeks away.”

Cassidy said it was a thrill to ride his first winner back for Brian Smith, who has not only been a great supporter, but lent him a ‘Wellcell’ which he now never leaves home without.

Smith attributed the well cell to getting him back to good health after a serious illness and he encouraged Cassidy to try the small device.

“I’m not exactly sure what it’s meant to do, but I know I lost it for a week and my knees got very sore again,” Cassidy said. “Maybe it was a coincidence, but I carry it with me all the time now,” Cassidy said.

Originally published as Larry Cassidy back in the winner’s circle after long injury lay-off