Hall of Fame jockey Jim Cassidy wasted no time in posting a comeback victory in the Group Three Tramway Handicap at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
It was Cassidy’s first race meeting for three months following a winter break which was extended due to serious injuries suffered by his brother Colin in a truck accident.
The 49-year-old showed no effects from his long break as he produced his customary vigour to guide the John Thompson-trained Tagus to a long neck win in the 1400m event.
Cassidy has made a habit of getting straight back to winning ways when he’s returned from various injuries or suspensions in the past and had pinpointed Tagus as his best chance of a winner on Saturday.
“If anyone can, Jimbo can,” Cassidy said, referring to his knack of bouncing straight back to winning form.
“This horse’s work was good during the week and I thought he was my best chance today.
“His run the other day was very good (in the Warwick Stakes) and he dropped back from 59 kilograms to 54. I thought by the last race I would be back to my best so it was nice.”
Punters didn’t share Cassidy’s confidence in Tagus who was sent out at $41.
Tagus defeated the Gai Waterhouse-trained Kontiki Park ($9) by a long neck with half length to favourite Moment Of Change ($2.35) third.
Thompson was full of praise for Cassidy.
“He’s an absolute freak,” Thompson said.
“He rides them in work on a Tuesday and just gets a feel for them. He jumped off this bloke on Tuesday and said, ‘he’ll give it a big shake on Saturday’.
“That gives you confidence.”
Cassidy’s return to the track has co-incided with an improvement in his brother’s condition.
