Cassidy to ride for Cummings

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 48

Cassidy to ride for Cummings

NZPA-AAP Sydney Sidelined jockey Jim Cassidy is set to storm back into racing’s big time after accepting an offer to link with Bart Cummings as stable rider during the multimillion Melbourne spring carnival. Cassidy, currently serving out the final weeks of a 12-month disqualification, is excited about the possibility of handling Cummings’ team of outstanding gallopers. Cummings’ believes his stable is now in a position where two highcalibre jockeys are required. Number one jockey, John Marshall, retains his position in Sydney with Cassidy becoming the second-string rider for Leilani Lodge on his return to the saddle at Rosehill on June 24.

Cummings is keen to have Cassidy in Melbourne about a month before the carnival while Marshall will stay on for the big Sydney events. Cassidy has not ruled out the possibility of a permanent move to Melbourne.

“I will definitely be doing all of Bart’s Melbourne riding during the spring and I am thrilled to be part of the team,” said the former New Zealander. “I love to ride Bart’s horses anywhere.

“It wouldn’t matter whether it was Sydney, Brisbane or Adelaide but Melbourne has been good to me, particularly Flemington, which I like to call my home track. “Basing myself In Victoria is a consideration but I won’t be making

any decisions just yet.” Cassidy’s liking for Flemington is hardly surprising.

It was there he burst into the national spotlight as a 21-year-old with his dashing victory aboard Kiwi in the 1983 Melbourne Cup. His other big race triumphs include the 1986 VRC Oaks on Diamond Shower and the 1987 VRC Derby with Omnicorp for Cummings. He topped off a big carnival by guiding Sandy’s Pleasure home in the Oaks five days later.

Cassidy is keen to get back to race riding and declared his intention of taking outside rides. “It will take a month or so to get back to race fitness,” said Cassidj who was granted permission by the AJC Committee on May 1 to ride trackwork for the remainder of his disqualification.

“Bart and I agree I should be in Melbourne before the carnival to have time to get back the feel of racing there. “I don’t want to rush out of Sydney but I will be in Melbourne for the caMhival and will wftigh up 1 the future from there.”