Multiple Group One-winning jockey Steven Arnold says he still hasn’t made a decision whether he will make a return to race riding.
Arnold hasn’t ridden in a race in Australia since March last year when he partnered the Grahame Begg-trained Land Of Plenty in the Rosehill Guineas.
He took up a contract to ride in Mauritius shortly after and returned to Australia at the conclusion of the season late last year.
He has spent the majority of his time keeping fit by riding trackwork for Lloyd Williams at Macedon Lodge.
“Within the next month I’ll know,” Arnold told broadcaster racing.com.
“When I got back I was over the wasting. I’ve been doing it a long time and I needed a break from it.
“I like keeping fit and to keep fit I’ve been going up to Macedon Lodge and riding trackwork.
“I’m enjoying it and I’m riding some good horses, so I’ll see what happens.”
Among Arnold’s big wins is the Cox Plate on the Bart Cummings-trained So You Think.
Arnold said if he made up his mind to return to race riding he would not do it half-heartedly, especially with the wasting required for one of the country’s tallest jockeys.
“You have to be really focused and really ready to go before you have a crack at it,” he said.
“I’ve never lost the passion for riding.
“I love riding. It’s just the weight thing.”
