On Friday, punters will notice a familiar name in the racebook, with Brodie Loy set to make a lowkey return at Bathurst.
Taking just one ride, the 28-year-old teams up with Bjorn Baker when jumping aboard early favourite Battle Hymn ($3.30) in race five, the 1100m Maiden Plate.
A first-starter for the Sydney trainer, the three-year-old trialled at Warwick Farm on January 3, finishing third when beaten a half-length by the Clarry Conners-trained Mrs Maree and the Baker-trained Chilli Crab over the 797m journey.
There is some form out of the trial, with Chilli Crab flashing late to finish second over 1106m at Port Macquarie on January 24.
First-up since March, Loy was happy to get an opportunity with the Baker stable.
“It’s a good stable to be riding for; Bjorn has always looked after me,” Loy said.
“He’s always been good to me, and I rode a Group 2 winner for him; he’s always chucked me a bone and looked after me.”
A prodigious talent with 500 winners to his name, including multiple Group and Listed victories, Loy has been through the ups and downs of racing, and supporters far and wide will be pleased to see him back in the saddle.
He’s battled with his weight, which has taken a toll on his mental health, and at one stage, he blew out to 74kg before taking up boxing.
Earlier last year, he was riding in career-best form and enjoying his time back in the saddle before abruptly pulling up stumps again in March.
During his most recent 10-month break from riding, he launched Elite Jockey Services, which provides personal training and fitness, diet and nutrition tips, advice on race form and tactics, and tips on striking a healthy work/life balance.
After taking his own advice, Loy admitted that returning to race riding was never a priority.
“I’ve been out about 10 months, and to be honest, it all started after I turned 28; a couple of weeks after my birthday, I gave up the piss and was going to the gym and riding trackwork,” Loy said.
“I suddenly dropped the weight and thought I was near enough and close enough that I could probably come back riding.
“Luke Pepper and I were talking about it, and I kept working hard, and it eventuated into tomorrow when I return at Bathurst.”
Loy lives in Canberra with his partner, Claire Ramsbotham, an apprentice jockey indentured to Barbara Joseph, Paul and Matt Jones.
“I’ve been fully supportive of Claire’s riding, and when she wanted to go, it was an easy decision,” Loy said.
“I was enjoying my job and loved it, so I was a bit bummed at the same time, but it’s a good opportunity for her, and she keeps improving, which is awesome.
“It’s all gone hand-in-hand, and we go to trackwork in the morning, eat breakfast, go to the gym, and work into a routine.
“I’m riding trackwork for a few trainers, but mainly Luke Pepper and it’s been really good, but ask me after I’ve had a winter here.”
While there will be plenty of eyes on Loy at Bathurst, he isn’t putting any added pressure on himself.
“I’ve had more comebacks than Mike Tyson,” Loy laughed.
“He keeps returning and driving up the price; maybe I should be doing the same.
“At the end of the day, I’m just back riding, and there is no extra pressure.
“I spent time helping apprentices and other riders when I stopped, and while doing that, I was teaching them not to take it too seriously.
“Instead, the focus was on putting in the work, looking after your body, doing your form, and riding to a standard that is good enough, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
“For me, it was about practising what I preached and going there and doing all that.”
Following his return at Bathurst on Friday, Loy has been locked in for rides at the popular Bega Cup two-day carnival, where he has nine mounts across Saturday and Sunday.
He’s even landed a ride in the $80,000 Bega Cup, where he jumps aboard the Barbara Joseph, Paul and Matt Jones-trained Belleistic Kids.
Jeff Hanson’s Bathurst tips
Race 1: Angelisle $4
Race 2: Benamera $2.25
Race 3: Dawn County $7.50
Race 4: Prorata $3.30
Race 5: Battle Hymn $3.30
Race 6: Sharkim $18
Race 7: Commando Jack $5
