WAGGA jockey Danny Beasley is after the perfect homecoming when he returns to the saddle over the two big days of the Gold Cup carnival.
Beasley, 39, was born and bred in Wagga but has been based in Singapore for the past seven years.
He decided upon a return last December and has chosen his hometown carnival to reignite his career in Australian racing.
“It's always special to ride at home, I haven’t ridden here enough, only a couple of times,” Beasley said.
“It was very special to win the Cup in 2001 and it means a lot to be back here riding.
"I'm very appreciative of the support I got from trainers who gave me rides.”
Beasley won the 2001 Wagga Gold Cup on Regal Touch for Gai Waterhouse.
He partners French group one winner Mutual Trust in the Town Plate on Thursday and will pilot hometown hope Devised in Friday’s $140,000 Wagga Gold Cup.
Beasley is happy to be on board the Tim Donnelly-trained Devised.
“It’s fantastic, I’m really looking forward to riding him,” he said.
“Obviously Tim targets the race with him and he has a real sense of timing about him.
“My first ride on him was in the track gallop the other day and I was very happy after that.
“It really cleared him up, I’ve ridden him a couple of times since and he’s bouncing off the track like a two-year-old.”
Beasley, with 19 group one wins to his name, has been back in Wagga two weeks and will leave for his new base in Sydney on Monday.
He has spent time catching up with parents Bob and Judy, along with siblings Renee, Amy and Sam, along with their families.
“It’s been terrific, good to catch up with a lot of people and see a lot of family,” he said.
“I’ve been away a long time and as much as I always come back and visit, they’re always flying visits.
“It’s good to have been a bit more settled.”
