Episode 196: Larry Cassidy (Part 1)

In part 1 Larry talks about his career tally of winners. He reveals that he’s maintained records of his race rides from the beginning of his career in NZ. He talks of the factors that prompted his decision to move to Queensland twelve years ago. Larry recalls his one and only ride on the champion Winx in the 2015 Sunshine Coast Guineas. He surprised many by declaring her to be the best he’d ever ridden. The popular jockey reflects on a horror period a few years ago when meniscal tears in both knees stalled his career.  He talks of the boredom and frustration which put him into a state of depression. Larry remembers his first morning back at trackwork after his long layoff. His legs were like jelly, and the pain was intense.  He talks of his very first Gr 1 win on Coronation Day, and his wonderful Autumn Carnival in 1997 when he won the Doncaster-Sydney Cup double for Gai Waterhouse. That Sydney Cup winner was the genuine Linesman. Larry was very fond of the horse and felt he should have been right in the finish of the 1997 Melbourne Cup. He talks of his 14 or 15 rides in the Melbourne Cup. He loves the race and the spectacle of the day.