KATSIDIS ON COMEBACK PATH

By Graham Potter | Sunday, May 31, 2009

Punters will be happy to hear that Stathi Katsidis is making steady progress towards a return to race riding.

The top jockey, who has been out of action for twelve months through suspension and injury, has tentatively targeted Weetwood Day at Toowoomba in July as a possible return date, but admits that might be an optimistic hope.

While Katisidis has been plagued by off the track indiscretions in the past, the bottom line is that he is a ‘punters friend’ in terms of his riding prowess. They don’t come much more talented than this former Premiership winning jockey and the combination of his ability to have an affinity with his mount which can improve its performance by a several lengths, his tactical sense and his strength in the finish have brought him many an eye-catching success. Doubtless, there will be more to follow.

Katsidis gave HRO an update on his current status.

Stathi Katsidis: “I’ve just been off crutches about four weeks. I’m about a week away from getting clearance to ride track work ... and then I’d think I’d be about six weeks away from riding in races. There’s probably some chance of being back at the Weetwood when the (Toowoomba) track re-opens. Only a rough chance, but it would be a nice place to start given the success I’ve had in the race.

“It’s been twelve months now. Six months under suspension and six months out with a broken leg. I was three days away from being allowed to ride track work when I broke my leg. I was going to ride track work for a month when that setback came along.

“But everything happens for a reason. The twelve months off, if anything, has been a small blessing. I’ve always needed a long break and I had it forced on me. It’s hard to take a break. You always get offered a good ride. But I feel like an apprentice now, ready to come back. I haven’t been getting the itch to ride though. I’m keen to come back, but not over-keen, if you know what I mean. I’m comfortable with things. I’m happy for it to take as long as it takes. If it was two years, so be it.

“I’m good with my weight. At one stage I was down to 53kg, but then with my broken leg it went up. I’m sitting around 55kg ... 56kg now, which is pretty good for me at this stage because I was 58kg ... 59kg when I went out. Yeah, it will be good to be back.”