Cassidy on verge of returning to saddle

Veteran jockey Larry Cassidy is getting close to a comeback.

Cassidy, who has ridden 45 Group One winners, injured his knees while dismounting from a horse almost 12 months ago.

"I actually went to the doctors the Monday before I resumed after that injury and he advised me not to ride. I did and was stood down after one ride," Cassidy said.

Since then it has been a frustrating battle for Cassidy to return to the saddle with several false starts.

Cassidy will visit his surgeon next month and hopes to get the all-clear to ride trackwork before an August comeback.

He tips the scales at 62kg and started a diet last week to get down to a workable riding weight.

"A few jockeys are on the diet and it seems to work," he said.

Confirmation of Cassidy's return comes on the anniversary of his Sunshine Coast Guineas-winning ride on Winx.

"After I won the Caloundra race I went home and told my wife Winx might be the best horse I have ridden. I think I might have been proved right," Cassidy said.